Introduction
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the kind of dependable comfort food that brings everyone to the table. It combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, creamy sauce, and melted cheese into a hearty one-dish meal that is both filling and satisfying. This casserole is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. I often make this recipe when I need something reliable that uses simple pantry ingredients and delivers consistent results. As it bakes, the flavours meld together beautifully, creating a rich, savoury dish with a creamy texture and golden cheese topping. Easy to assemble and even better the next day, this cheesy ground beef rice casserole is a timeless recipe that fits perfectly into everyday home cooking.
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Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole: A Comforting, Family-Friendly Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a comforting baked dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 480 ml beef broth
- 240 ml tomato sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 200 g shredded cheddar cheese
- 120 ml heavy cream or milk
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
- Bring to a light simmer, then remove from heat.
- Stir in cream or milk and half of the shredded cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve.
Notes
- Use cooked rice to reduce baking time by 15 minutes.
- You can add peas or corn for extra vegetables.
- This casserole reheats well and is great for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and made with everyday ingredients. It is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal and reheats extremely well. The cheesy, creamy texture makes it especially popular with families and children.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef
Ground beef forms the hearty base of the casserole, adding rich, savoury flavour and protein.
White Rice
Rice absorbs the flavours of the casserole as it cooks, creating a tender and comforting texture.
Onion
Onion adds natural sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savoury flavour and adds aroma.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Cream of mushroom soup provides creaminess and helps bind the casserole together.
Beef Broth
Beef broth adds moisture and deepens the overall flavour.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and gives the casserole its signature cheesy richness.
Salt
Salt balances and enhances all the flavours.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds subtle warmth and contrast.
Paprika
Paprika contributes gentle heat and colour.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing and building flavour.
Fresh Parsley
Fresh parsley adds colour and freshness before serving.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180°C and lightly grease a baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth until well combined.
Add the uncooked rice and mix thoroughly.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow to rest briefly before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately six people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and baking time is 50–55 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well for up to two months.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is easy to adapt to suit different tastes. Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter version. I have also prepared this dish by adding frozen peas or corn, which added colour and texture without extra prep.
For extra richness, a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used alongside cheddar. If you prefer bolder flavour, a small amount of Worcestershire sauce or dried herbs can be added to the beef mixture. These variations make the casserole flexible while keeping its comforting, hearty appeal.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides protein from beef, carbohydrates from rice, and calcium from cheese. Using lean beef and reduced-fat soup can lower fat content. Portion size can be adjusted to meet dietary needs.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Cover While Baking
Covering the dish allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb moisture.
Rest Before Serving
Let the casserole sit briefly to set and serve more cleanly.
Even Mixing
Ensure rice is evenly distributed to avoid undercooked spots.
FAQs
Do I need to cook the rice first?
No, the rice cooks in the casserole as it bakes.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead and bake when ready.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes very well once cooled.
What rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, peas, carrots, or bell peppers work well.
Why is my rice undercooked?
Ensure the dish is tightly covered and has enough liquid.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase liquid and baking time.
What cheese melts best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend works well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soup to make it suitable.
Does it taste better the next day?
Yes, flavours deepen after resting overnight.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a comforting, practical recipe that delivers hearty flavour with minimal effort. Its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and make-ahead convenience make it a dependable choice for family meals and meal prep. Simple, filling, and consistently satisfying, this casserole is a true comfort-food classic worth keeping in your rotation.
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