Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Short, Catchy Intro:

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the kind of dinner that winks at you from the oven and says bring it on. It is cozy, cheesy, and forgiving of culinary forgetfulness. If you want to see a version that inspired my tweaks, check out this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole recipe for a fun comparison.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, listen. This casserole is practically the superhero of weeknight meals. It bails you out when you have neither time nor energy but still want comfort food that actually tastes like you tried. It is quick, forgiving, and holds up well as leftovers. It is idiot proof, even I did not mess it up.

You can assemble most of it while your rice cooks or while you scroll through your phone pretending to read something important. Also, it hits all the best textures: creamy sauce, tender beef, and that melty cheesy top that makes everything feel celebratory. Want more dinner wins? Try a slightly fancier riff from this comfort food classic to steal ideas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced, because onions make everything better
• 2 cloves garlic, minced, or more if you love garlic like I do
• 2 cups cooked white rice, leftovers are perfect here
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken, your call
• 1/2 cup milk or beef broth, whichever you have and do not hate
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided, because cheese math is real
• 1 tsp paprika, for a little warmth and prettiness
• Salt and pepper to taste, do not be shy with seasoning
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish, only if you want to fake fancy

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Get your oven warm so it is not offended later.
2. Brown the beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat. Toss that grease like it is yesterday’s drama.
3. Add garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not burn it or the whole room will sulk.
4. Make the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Aim for smooth, not lumpy.
5. Assemble. In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine so every spoonful is equal opportunity delicious.
6. Top and bake. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Use this time to nap or dance, I do both sometimes.
7. Finish baking. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Watch it like a hawk if your oven has mood swings.
8. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping. Stand back and don protective cheering.
9. Serve. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot. Slice into squares and pretend you did something gourmet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven. Rookie mistake. Preheating matters. The oven is not your friend if you waste its good heat.
• Overcooking the rice. Use cooked rice that is just right and not mush. Leftovers work best because they are drier and will not make the casserole soggy.
• Skipping the drain step after browning. Too much fat in the casserole equals a greasy, sad dinner. Drain it like you mean it.
• Not seasoning the sauce. Cream soups can be bland. Taste before baking and add salt and pepper as needed. You will thank me later.
• Leaving the foil on for the whole bake. That cheesy top needs to see the light to get golden and bubbly.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Go for it. Here are some easy swaps that keep the spirit of the dish intact.

• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter. The texture changes but the comfort level stays high.
• Use brown rice or quinoa for a health-forward tweak. Keep in mind they change cook time and texture.
• Not a mushroom soup fan? Use cream of chicken or even a simple white sauce. Both work great.
• Want more veggie power? Stir in a cup of cooked frozen peas or chopped bell pepper when you mix the rice and beef. I like the extra color.
• Feeling bold? Add a splash of mustard or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce for extra umami. It is sneaky but effective.
• If you want inspiration for country-style casseroles similar to this, see this hearty option at ground beef country casserole for ideas you can borrow.

IMO adding an extra handful of cheese is never wrong.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q What if I only have uncooked rice?
A Cook it first. This casserole is not the place to learn time travel. Use cooked rice or you will end up with crunchy regret.

Q Can I make this ahead and freeze it?
A Yes. Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. You may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Q Can I use a different cheese?
A Sure. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a mix works great. Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch though.

Q How do I make it spicier?
A Add chopped jalapeno, a dash of cayenne, or use pepper jack cheese. Easy heat upgrade.

Q Is this casserole kid friendly?
A Usually yes. Kids love the cheese and simple flavors. Hide some veggies in the mix if you want them to think they are winning at life.

Q Can I double this recipe?
A You can, but use a larger pan and adjust baking time. More mass needs more heat time, so be patient.

Q What about using margarine or butter in the mix?
A You do you. Technically it will work, but butter tastes better. Marg is okay in a pinch, but your taste buds might notice.

Final Thoughts

This is comfort food with minimal fuss and maximum return on effort. It warms you up, fills you up, and makes your kitchen smell like you worked harder than you did. Leftovers reheat beautifully and make stellar lunches. If you are feeding a crowd, double it and nobody will complain.

Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills. You have earned it. Life is short eat the cheesy stuff.

Conclusion

If you want to see another take or get extra inspiration for this kind of meal, check out this version from Oh Sweet Basil at Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole | Oh Sweet Basil.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A cozy, cheesy casserole that is quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk or beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned; drain excess fat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. In the prepared baking dish, mix together cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce until combined.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for later.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, beef, rice, cheese, quick dinner