Savory Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

Whipping up a comforting cheesy ground beef and rice casserole always sparks joy in my kitchen.

Nostalgic memories flood back with each savory bite of this classic dish.

My grandmother’s recipe inspired this creamy, hearty creation that promises pure satisfaction.

Busy weeknights call for simple, delicious meals that come together quickly.

Layers of seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese create a perfect one-pan wonder.

Kids and adults alike devour this crowd-pleasing comfort food without hesitation.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next family dinner.

Why Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Feels So Comforting

• Comfort Food Champion: A hearty casserole that delivers rich, satisfying flavors guaranteed to please everyone at the dinner table.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Affordable ground beef and pantry staples combine to create a filling dish that stretches your grocery budget while delivering maximum satisfaction.
• Family Dinner Winner: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein, this casserole appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.

Everything You Need For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Rice: A fluffy base that creates a comforting foundation for the entire dish.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy binding ingredient that adds depth and moisture to the casserole.

• Milk: A liquid that helps create a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and richness to the overall flavor profile.
• Cheddar Cheese: A melty topping that provides a sharp and delicious golden crust.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the beef's natural taste.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright garnish and subtle herbaceous note.

How To Make Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Step By Step

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan, cooking until completely browned and no pink remains. Break the meat into small, even pieces while cooking.

Step 2: Season the Beef

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly across the beef.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

Cook rice following package instructions. Once done, fluff with a fork to separate the grains and create a light texture.

Step 4: Mix the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Sour cream

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish as the first layer.

Step 6: Add Beef Layer

Distribute the seasoned ground beef uniformly over the rice, creating an even second layer.

Step 7: Pour Creamy Sauce

Gently pour the soup mixture over the beef, ensuring complete coverage across the entire surface.

Step 8: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, covering the entire casserole.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until cheese melts and edges become bubbly.

Step 10: Rest and Garnish

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving hot.

Tips To Make Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Even Better

• Prep Like a Pro: Grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent any sticky situations and ensure easy serving.
• Beef Brilliance: Break ground beef into small, even crumbles while cooking to guarantee consistent texture and thorough cooking.
• Season Smartly: Mix seasonings directly into beef for maximum flavor distribution and more balanced taste in every bite.
• Cheese Coverage: Sprinkle cheese generously and evenly to create a perfect melted topping that covers the entire casserole surface.
• Rest and Shine: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking, which helps flavors meld and makes cutting and serving easier.

Easy Swaps For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Gluten-Free Ground Beef Casserole: Replace cream of mushroom soup with gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and use gluten-free rice or quinoa as a base.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking technique.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace rice with riced cauliflower, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add diced bell peppers, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and incorporate oregano and basil for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Perfect Sides With Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the hearty beef and creamy cheese casserole with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, whose rich tannins cut through the dish's richness and enhance its savory flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the heavy casserole with a light, zesty salad featuring mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to provide refreshing contrast and add nutritional variety.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare simple roasted broccoli or asparagus seasoned with garlic and olive oil to introduce a healthy vegetable component that adds color, texture, and nutritional balance to the meal.

Storage Tips For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring no air pockets that could cause freezer burn.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

Quick FAQ Guide For Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• What ingredients make this casserole tasty?

Ground beef, rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and cheddar cheese create a rich, comforting flavor profile with multiple layers of savory goodness.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, it uses simple, affordable ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores and can feed a large family economically.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it, then bake when ready to serve. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat dairy products, and consider adding mixed vegetables like peas or carrots to increase nutritional value.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty cheesy ground beef and rice casserole, blending rich flavors and simple ingredients. Home cooks discover a satisfying one-pan meal that promises warmth and deliciousness with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Starch:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups rice

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat from the beef, then mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even seasoning distribution.
4. Cook rice according to package instructions, fluffing with a fork when completed.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth and well-combined.
6. Layer the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Spread the seasoned ground beef uniformly over the rice layer.
8. Pour the creamy soup mixture across the beef, gently spreading to cover the entire surface.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and edges are bubbly.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Enhance meat flavor by using a blend of ground beef and ground pork for deeper richness and complexity.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for reduced sodium and more control over ingredients.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the rice layer.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cauliflower rice and ensuring all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg