Who doesn’t love a comforting casserole? Especially one that’s packed with cheesy goodness, hearty ground beef, and filling rice. This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is an easy recipe that will warm your heart (and stomach) after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a go-to. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ever have one of those days when you want something easy, delicious, and quick? This casserole ticks all the boxes. It’s:
- Easy to make – Just brown, mix, and bake!
- One-pan wonder – Less cleanup? Yes, please.
- Crowd-pleaser – Who can say no to cheesy, meaty goodness?
- Budget-friendly – Using affordable, simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start, let’s gather our ingredients. You likely already have most of these in your pantry and fridge.
Main Ingredients:
- Ground beef (1 lb) – The heart of the casserole. Feel free to substitute with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Cooked rice (2 cups) – Use any kind: white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded) – The cheesier, the better! You can mix it up with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Onion (1 small, chopped) – Adds flavor and a little crunch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Because garlic makes everything better.
- Canned tomatoes (1 can, diced) – Adds juiciness and tang to balance out the cheese.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 oz) – Binds everything together with a rich tomato flavor.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz) – This makes it creamy and comforting. You can also use cream of chicken.
- Bell peppers (1 cup, diced) – Adds color and a touch of sweetness.
Seasonings:
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Paprika (1 tsp) – Adds a little warmth.
- Cumin (½ tsp) – For that earthy, savory note.
- Oregano (1 tsp) – A herb that ties everything together.
- Red pepper flakes (Optional, for a little heat) – If you like it spicy!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Rice
First things first: cook your rice! If you’ve already got leftover rice in the fridge, even better. For this recipe, you’ll need about 2 cups of cooked rice. White rice works great, but if you’re aiming for something healthier, brown rice or even quinoa could be a fun twist. Set it aside once cooked.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want the beef to be nice and browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Pro tip: Drain any excess fat once it’s fully cooked so your casserole doesn’t get too greasy.
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Garlic
Next, toss in your chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook them with the beef until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
You’re already building layers of flavor here—smells amazing, right?
Step 4: Mix in Tomatoes and Seasonings
Time to get saucy! Stir in your can of diced tomatoes (with the juice), tomato sauce, and all your seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want that extra kick. Let it simmer for a few minutes so everything blends together.
Step 5: Add Rice and Cream of Mushroom Soup
Now, stir in your cooked rice and the can of cream of mushroom soup. The soup gives the casserole that creamy, comfort-food feel without needing a ton of dairy. It’s the perfect glue for this casserole. Mix everything thoroughly, making sure the rice and beef are coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Get Cheesy
Remove your skillet from the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This is where things start getting really delicious. The cheese will begin to melt, mixing beautifully with the creamy sauce. You could even sneak in some mozzarella or pepper jack here if you’re feeling adventurous.
Step 7: Transfer to a Casserole Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the beef, rice, and cheese mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so everything bakes nice and evenly.
Step 8: Top with More Cheese
It wouldn’t be a cheesy casserole without more cheese on top, right? Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar over the casserole.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt and turn golden brown and for the edges to be bubbling with deliciousness.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Once your cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set a bit before slicing into it. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color if you’d like. Then, dig in!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, here are a few pro tips to take your casserole game to the next level:
1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese may be convenient, but it doesn’t melt as well as freshly grated. It’s coated with anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
2. Swap Ingredients for Healthier Alternatives
Looking to lighten things up? Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for low-fat cheese. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of cream of mushroom soup for a lighter, tangier twist.
3. Customize with Extra Veggies
Want to sneak in some extra nutrients? Add in veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. The casserole is super flexible, and the more veggies, the better!
4. Add Some Crunch
If you like a bit of texture, top your casserole with crushed tortilla chips, breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried onions during the last few minutes of baking.
5. Make It Ahead of Time
This casserole can be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting dinner!
Variations on This Recipe
This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is super versatile. Here are some fun variations to switch things up:
Mexican-Inspired Casserole
Add a can of black beans, corn, and a packet of taco seasoning. Swap cheddar for Mexican blend cheese and top with cilantro and sour cream.
Italian Casserole
Mix in some Italian sausage, swap the cheddar for mozzarella, and add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil.
Low-Carb Casserole
Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version. You’ll still get all the cheesy goodness without the extra carbs.
Spicy Cheesy Casserole
Add diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist. A drizzle of hot sauce over the top wouldn’t hurt either!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Got leftovers? This casserole is just as good the next day!
Storing:
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If the casserole looks a little dry, you can add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to bring back the creaminess.
Freezing:
Want to freeze it? No problem. You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Conclusion
This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to whip up and guaranteed to please the whole family. It’s hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, with plenty of ways to customize it to your liking, it’s a recipe you can come back to again and again.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. It will still be delicious.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. How can I make this casserole spicy?
To spice things up, add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, or throw in a few shakes of hot sauce before baking.
4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! You can freeze this casserole after baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or the oven. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of broth or milk before reheating to revive the creaminess.