Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s not only hearty and deeply satisfying, but also puts dinner on the table with minimal effort? This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the dish you’ve been searching for. Bursting with savory flavors, loaded with melty cheddar, and finished with a creamy richness that brings everything together, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something truly delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bite is a cozy combination of tender beef, rice, mushrooms, and gooey cheese—plus, it all comes together in one pot before baking, making both prep and cleanup a total breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what makes this casserole so crave-worthy and stress-free:

• Ground Beef: Picks up flavor beautifully with Italian seasoning; stick to 85% lean for a rich but not greasy result.
• Italian Seasoning + Salt & Pepper: The essential flavor base—don’t skip seasoning the beef as it cooks!
• Butter: Adds depth and rich flavor, used in both sautéing onions and cooking the rice.
• Onion: Sautéed until tender, they provide an aromatic sweetness you’ll miss if you skip them.
• Garlic: Just a hit of minced garlic turns the flavor dial up—don’t be shy!
• Beef Broth: Infuses the rice with even more savory goodness.
• Long Grain White Rice: Opt for regular long grain, not quick/instant, for the best texture and flavor.
• Button Mushrooms: Add a lovely earthiness; slice them yourself for added texture, or sub with other veggies if mushrooms aren’t your favorite.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: The creamy, savory foundation of the sauce—use canned for ease or homemade if you prefer.
• Milk: Any kind works, bringing extra silkiness to the mix.
• Sour Cream: A scoop of tangy richness that balances out all the other flavors.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild, cheddar melts into gooey ribbons and finishes the dish. Always save some for the bubbly topping!

Tip: If you want to lighten things up, use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.

Variations

You can easily switch up this casserole to fit what you have or what you’re craving:

• Swap the Mushrooms: Use frozen peas, corn, or carrots for more color and a veggie boost.
• Change Up the Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully.
• Go Spicy: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a little kick.
• Make it Chicken: Swap the ground beef for shredded or cubed cooked chicken and use cream of chicken soup.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and double up on mushrooms, or add a can of drained black beans for extra protein.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season as it cooks with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for maximum flavor. Once browned, drain any extra fat and set the meat aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, melt some butter and add the diced onions. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it bloom for another minute. This step adds an incredible depth to the base.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Pour in your beef broth and a bit more butter, then stir in uncooked long grain rice. Bring everything to a boil, cover, and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, then add your sliced mushrooms, pop the lid back on, and let it cook for another 5–10 minutes (check your rice package for the ideal time). Do NOT stir the rice as it cooks—just let it do its thing!

Step 4: Let the Rice Rest

Turn off the heat but leave the pot covered. Letting the rice stand for 10 minutes means every bit gets perfectly tender and any extra moisture is absorbed.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Return the cooked beef to the pot with the rice mixture. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of your shredded cheddar. Every bite will turn rich and creamy.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer everything into a greased casserole dish and top with the rest of your cheddar cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt and the casserole to heat through.

Step 7: Serve

Give it a few minutes to cool so it holds together, then scoop into plates and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

You can prep the whole casserole a day or two ahead—cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

How to Serve

This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but a few simple sides really round out the experience:

• Salad: Crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the creamy casserole.
• Veggies: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or even buttered peas on the side for extra veggies and color.
• Bread: Warm slices of crusty bread or easy garlic toast are perfect for scooping up every last bit.
• Garnishes: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a fresh finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers and transfer them to an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Just portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave, or larger portions in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of milk if you want to bring back the creaminess.

Tip: If you’re making it ahead for meal prep, assemble everything but don’t bake. Let it come to room temp for 30 minutes before baking as directed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When you need a wholesome, fuss-free dinner that’s cozy and crowd-pleasing, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is about as perfect as it gets. It ticks every box: easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and—most important—completely delicious. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it and make it a regular in your go-to recipe lineup. Give it a try—it’s guaranteed to turn an ordinary night into something comfort-filled and memorable!

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