There's nothing like the comforting aroma of a Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole bubbling away in the oven. This hearty dish combines savory ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and gooey melted cheese into a family-friendly dinner that's sure to please.

I first discovered this recipe when looking for an easy, budget-friendly meal to feed a crowd. Little did I know it would become a staple in my weekly meal rotation! Let's dive in and see why this casserole is such a winner.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food. This casserole isn’t just delicious; it’s practical, too.

First, it’s incredibly simple to make. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.

It’s a fantastic way to use pantry staples. Ingredients like rice, ground beef, and canned soup come together to create a meal that’s both economical and satisfying.

The creamy, cheesy topping is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a group of cheese lovers, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Lastly, it’s highly adaptable. You can customize it with your favorite veggies, swap out the protein, or even tweak the spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this casserole lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this dish irresistibly tasty.

Ground beef is the star of the show, providing a rich, savory base. I recommend using lean ground beef to avoid excess grease, but any type will work.

Cooked rice creates the perfect base for soaking up all the creamy, cheesy goodness. Long-grain white rice works best here, but you can substitute brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Cream of mushroom soup adds a creamy texture and a depth of flavor that ties everything together. If you’re not a fan, cream of chicken or cheddar soup works just as well.

Cheddar cheese is the ultimate topping for this casserole. Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor, and don’t be shy – the cheesier, the better!

Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika enhance the dish's flavor. Feel free to adjust these to your personal preference.

You’ll also need a baking dish, a skillet, and mixing bowls to bring this casserole to life.

How To Make This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Creating this comforting casserole is easy and straightforward. Follow these steps for a dinner that’s sure to impress.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Break it into crumbles as it cooks, and drain any excess grease.

Add the seasonings to the cooked beef and stir well. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, ground beef mixture, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.

Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Total prep and cook time is under an hour, making this dish as convenient as it is delicious.

Storage Options

This casserole is perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Store it properly, and you’ll have a satisfying meal ready to go.

To refrigerate, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.

For freezing, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating is easy! For single servings, use the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

This casserole is highly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your preferences.

For a veggie-packed version, stir in cooked broccoli, peas, or bell peppers before baking. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients.

Switch up the protein by using ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled sausage for a different flavor profile.

If you’re avoiding canned soup, you can make a homemade version using butter, flour, broth, and milk. It’s surprisingly easy and just as creamy.

For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the mixture.

Experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack, to customize the flavor.

With this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, dinner is always a hit. Try it out, and watch it become a favorite in your home, just like it is in ours!