Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

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The Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole (A Family Favorite!)

Imagine this: a bustling weeknight, the air is starting to chill, and you’re craving something warm, hearty, and utterly satisfying. Suddenly, a baking dish emerges from the oven, bubbling with golden cheese and a rich, savory aroma that promises pure comfort. This, my friends, is the magic of our Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole – the perfect solution for a busy evening!

This isn’t just any weeknight dinner; it’s a timeless classic, a truly easy ground beef casserole recipe that brings together simple, affordable ingredients in one incredibly delicious bake. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly, leaving everyone content and planning for leftovers.

Get ready to discover a simple, step-by-step recipe for the ultimate cheesy ground beef and rice bake. We’ll also share expert tips, delicious variations, and essential storage advice to ensure your Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole turns out perfectly every single time, making it a new staple in your family meal rotation.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Our Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a solution. Here’s why this hamburger rice casserole deserves a prime spot in your recipe collection:

Incredibly Easy: Made with everyday pantry staples and minimal prep work, this is a quick beef casserole perfect for any skill level.
Classic Comfort Food: A true comfort food casserole, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Budget-Friendly: Utilizing affordable ingredients like ground beef and rice, it’s a smart, budget-friendly meal that stretches your dollar further.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: Ideal for meal prep, it’s a fantastic make ahead ground beef casserole and a freezer friendly casserole option.
Easily Customizable: A versatile beef and rice recipe that serves as a great base to adapt with your favorite veggies or different cheeses.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting the perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a detailed look:

Ground Beef: We recommend 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. For a leaner option, 90/10 works well, or you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter touch without sacrificing heartiness.
Cooked White Rice: This recipe truly shines with leftover rice casserole techniques. Using chilled, cooked rice (like long-grain white or jasmine) prevents it from becoming mushy. If using brown rice, ensure it’s fully cooked and you might need a splash more milk for moisture.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the secret to the casserole’s creamy, savory binder. For those avoiding canned soup, cream of chicken, cream of celery, or a simple homemade white sauce (roux with milk) are excellent alternatives. This creates that classic ground beef casserole with cream of mushroom flavor profile.
Milk: A touch of milk helps thin the soup and creates a luscious sauce that coats every grain of rice and beef. Whole milk or 2% milk works beautifully, and for extra richness, evaporated milk is a great choice.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: We’re making a casserole with ground beef and cheddar cheese, so quality matters! Opt for sharp or medium cheddar. For the best meltiness and flavor, shred your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that hinder a smooth melt.
Worcestershire Sauce: Don’t skip this! A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, umami richness that elevates the beef flavor, making it incredibly savory. It’s that subtle « what is that delicious flavor? » ingredient.
Seasonings: Our base includes garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. These are your starting point; always taste the mixture before baking and adjust to your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect family friendly casserole every time:

Prep Your Pan and Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. [Image: 9×13 baking dish next to the oven]
Brown the Ground Beef. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Use a spoon to break it apart until it’s completely browned and no longer pink. [Image: Ground beef cooking in a skillet]
Drain the Fat. This is crucial for a non-greasy casserole. Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
Combine the Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, your pre-cooked rice, the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and coated. [Image: All ingredients being mixed in a large bowl]
Assemble the Casserole. Pour the flavorful mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer. [Image: Casserole mixture being spread in the baking dish]
Top with Cheese. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a beautiful, golden crust. [Image: Casserole topped with cheese, ready for the oven]
Bake to Perfection. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is fully melted and slightly golden. [Image: Finished casserole, bubbly and golden, fresh from the oven]
Rest and Serve. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the casserole to set up, making it easier to scoop. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade one pan beef and rice delight!

Expert Tips for the Best Casserole

Elevate your ground beef rice and cheese recipe with these simple yet effective tips:

Don’t Use Hot, Freshly Cooked Rice: Using cold, leftover rice is key. Hot, fresh rice tends to absorb too much moisture and can get mushy in the casserole.
Shred Your Own Cheese: For the ultimate gooey, melty top, always shred cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains starches that prevent smooth melting.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: The saltiness of canned soups can vary. Always taste your mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
Don’t Overbake: The goal is simply to heat everything through and melt the cheese. Overbaking can dry out your delicious hamburger casserole.
Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it firm up, making serving much cleaner and easier.

Delicious Variations & Substitutions

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to customize your beef and rice recipe:

Add Some Veggies

Stir in 1-2 cups of steamed broccoli florets, thawed frozen peas and carrots, or sautéed mushrooms and onions along with the beef and rice mixture. This adds nutrition and flavor.

Swap the Soup

Not a fan of cream of mushroom? Use condensed cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even condensed cheddar cheese soup for an extra cheesy kick. For a lighter touch, a homemade cream sauce works wonderfully.

Change the Cheese

Experiment with different cheese blends! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella can be fantastic. For a touch of heat, sprinkle in some Pepper Jack.

Make it Spicy

Infuse some heat by adding a can of diced green chiles (undrained) or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture.

Mexican-Inspired Version

Transform this into a Mexican-style dish! Swap the seasonings for a packet of taco seasoning, use a Mexican cheese blend, and serve with sour cream, salsa, and crushed tortilla chips. This is a great answer to « what to make with ground beef and rice » with a twist!

What to Serve with Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole

This hearty ground beef and rice casserole is truly a meal in itself, but a simple side dish can perfectly round out your dinner:

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli add essential nutrients and color.
Warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any delicious cheesy sauce.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is fantastic for meal prep, making it a freezer friendly casserole and a great make ahead ground beef casserole option.

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can assemble the entire casserole without baking it. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, remove the foil (or keep it on for the first half of baking), and you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it starts cold.

How to Freeze

Prepare the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Assemble it in a freezer-safe baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then an additional layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding extra time as needed.

Reheating

For individual portions, reheat in the microwave until warmed through. To reheat the entire casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, about 20-30 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use brown rice in this casserole?

Yes, you can absolutely use brown rice! Ensure it is fully cooked beforehand. Brown rice is heartier, so you might find you need to add an extra splash of milk or broth to the mixture to prevent the casserole from becoming too dry during baking.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

If cream of mushroom isn’t your preference, condensed cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are excellent 1:1 substitutes. Alternatively, you can make a simple homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and your choice of seasonings.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead ground beef casserole. You can assemble it up to 2 days in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just remember to add about 10-15 minutes to the bake time since it will be starting cold from the fridge.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is done when the edges are visibly bubbly, and the cheese on top is completely melted and has achieved a lightly golden-brown hue. The center should also be hot throughout.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives to ground beef. They work perfectly in this recipe, maintaining the comforting texture and allowing the other flavors to shine through.

[Recipe Card]

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

A hearty and cheesy one-pan beef and rice casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Yields:

8 servings

Prep time:

15 minutes

Cook time:

25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
3 cups cooked white rice (cold, leftover is best)
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
1 ½ cups shredded sharp or medium cheddar cheese, divided
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease.
In a large bowl, combine cooked ground beef, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes:

For best results, use chilled, day-old rice.
Shredding your own cheese ensures a smoother melt.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Conclusion

There you have it – the ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole! This delightful ground beef and rice casserole without pasta truly delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease, making it the perfect quick beef casserole and a consistent dinnertime winner. We hope you love this classic comfort food casserole as much as we do. Give this budget friendly meal a try tonight, and don’t forget to leave a comment or rating below to let us know how your cheesy ground beef and rice bake turned out!

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