There's something incredibly satisfying about a meal that wraps comfort, flavor, and simplicity into one dish. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe has been my go-to when I want a hearty dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The creamy texture paired with savory beef and melty cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser every single time.

A white bowl filled with a mix of cooked white rice and brown ground meat as the base layer, topped unevenly with melted yellow-orange cheese that creates small gooey patches, and sprinkled with fresh bright green chopped herbs scattered on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a light brown cloth napkin beside it and two gold utensils partly visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can honestly say this casserole has saved me on many busy weeknights. It’s straightforward to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, and tastes way more special than the effort suggests. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable, which means you can easily tweak it to suit what you have on hand or your family’s taste buds.

Comfort in Every Bite: The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with beef and rice creates a rich, hearty dish that feels like home-cooked comfort food.
Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples, so you don't need to make a special trip to gather unusual items.
Family-Friendly: My picky eaters always ask for seconds, making it perfect for those feeding kids or feeders of all ages.
Flexible and Easy to Customize: You can add veggies, swap out cheeses, or adjust the seasoning to make it your own signature dish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role to ensure a balance of flavors, textures, and that classic creamy cheesy finish we all crave. Here’s a quick rundown of what you'll need and why these ingredients come together so well.

Flat lay of raw lean ground beef shaped into a neat mound, a small white ceramic bowl with diced yellow onion, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with cooked fluffy white rice, another small white ceramic bowl holding creamy beige mushroom soup, a small white ceramic bowl containing fresh milk, a small pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, and a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant chopped green parsley, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean Ground Beef: The savory base that adds protein and depth. Using lean beef keeps it from becoming greasy while still packing flavor.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and aroma to the beef, softening and melding into the dish during cooking.
Garlic: Just a little garlic amps up the savory notes without overpowering the casserole.
Cooked White Rice: The perfect starchy filler that soaks up all the creamy sauce, making every forkful satisfying.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (or Cream of Chicken): This pantry classic brings the comforting creaminess and body to the casserole without extra fuss.
Milk or Beef Broth: Thins the soup just enough to create a silky sauce that coats everything beautifully.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheddar adds the perfect gooey, cheesy layer you can’t resist.
Paprika: A subtle smoky sweetness that brightens flavor without heat.
Salt and Pepper: Essential to bring all the components to life and balance the rich flavors.
Chopped Parsley (Optional): A fresh pop of color and mild herbaceous note to finish the dish wonderfully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this casserole is how easy it is to customize. Over the years, I’ve tried adding all sorts of extras — and trust me, it’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes your creativity!

Vegetable Boost: I sometimes stir in frozen peas or diced bell peppers into the beef mixture for extra color and nutrition. You won't even notice the veggies hiding in there once it’s baked.
Cheese Swaps: Feel free to use a blend of cheeses — Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a little spicy pepper jack for a kick.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the seasoning to give it a subtle heat I really enjoy on colder nights.
Grain Alternatives: Brown rice or even cooked quinoa can replace white rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

A white bowl filled with cooked white rice mixed with small pieces of browned ground meat, topped with melted yellow cheese that blends softly into the rice and meat, and sprinkled with small green herb leaves, all served with a metal spoon inside the bowl resting on the side, the bowl placed on a dark wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the beef and soften the onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your lean ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and onions are translucent — this usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting too greasy.

Step 2: Add garlic for aroma

Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant. This quick step really boosts the savory notes without the garlic turning bitter or overpowering the dish.

Step 3: Whisk the creamy sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or beef broth if you want a lighter touch), paprika, salt, and pepper. This sauce is the magic that binds the beef and rice, adding that creamy, luscious texture.

Step 4: Assemble the casserole

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly. Combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheddar, and the sauce right in the baking dish. Mix everything thoroughly but gently so it’s evenly coated and ready to bake.

Step 5: Cheese it up and bake

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes. This helps everything simmer together and meld.

Step 6: Finish baking for a golden top

Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns a beautiful golden color. For the most decadent cheesy top, I like to broil it for 2 minutes—just keep an eye so it doesn’t burn!

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if you like a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve it hot and watch everyone dig in happily.

Top Tip

From my trials with this casserole, here are my top tips to help you get it just right every time, ensuring that creamy, cheesy goodness with no surprises.

Drain the Beef Properly: Don’t skip draining the fat after browning your beef—too much grease can make the casserole soggy and heavy.
Don’t Overcook Your Rice Beforehand: Use freshly cooked rice or slightly undercooked rice so it doesn't become mushy after baking.
Use Sharp Cheddar Cheese: It melts beautifully and offers a rich tang that balances the creamy sauce perfectly.
Watch the Broil Time: When broiling for a crisp top, stay close—the difference between golden and burnt is seconds!

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I typically garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that fresh, herbal punch and a splash of green. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or a touch of smoked paprika for show when guests are over.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this casserole with simple green side salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add freshness and crunch. A crisp cucumber salad also provides a refreshing balance to the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I've made individual casseroles using ramekins – it’s such a fun way to dress it up and makes portion control easy. Topping each dish with a parmesan crisp or a dollop of sour cream adds a gourmet touch that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or a fuss-free dinner the following day.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. I recommend baking it first, letting it cool completely, then wrapping tightly before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, the microwave works fine – just add a splash of milk and cover to keep it creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure to use a gluten-free cream of mushroom or chicken soup and double-check that your broth and other ingredients don’t contain gluten. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just cook it according to package instructions before assembling the casserole. It holds up well during baking.

How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

Drain the cooked ground beef well, don’t overcook the rice beforehand, and avoid adding too much liquid when mixing the sauce. Baking it covered and then uncovered also helps maintain the right texture.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is close to my heart because it’s one of those dishes that wraps you up in cozy flavors without complicated ingredients or steps. It’s a reliable dinner that brings smiles around the table, whether it’s a rushed weeknight or a chilled weekend evening. I hope you’ll find it as comforting and satisfying as I do — it’s truly one of those recipes that feels like a little slice of home.