If you are craving comfort food that hugs your soul and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, this Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine perfectly browned ground beef melded with tender rice, rich and creamy soups, savory tomatoes, and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese on top – every bite is a satisfying blend of hearty textures and bursting flavors. This dish is not only super comforting but also incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it your new go-to for busy weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating something truly special. Each element plays a vital role, lending its unique texture, richness, and depth of flavor to the casserole.
- 1 pound ground beef: The protein-packed base that adds savory richness and satisfies hearty appetites.
- 1 small onion (diced): Offers a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a warm, fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked): Provides a tender, fluffy texture that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds moisture and a savory base for the rice to cook perfectly.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Brings creamy richness and umami to the casserole without fuss.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of cheddar soup: Amplifies the cheesy goodness and provides a luscious texture.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (drained): Adds a touch of acidity and vibrant color to balance the creamy elements.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): The crowning glory, melted to gooey perfection for a delectably cheesy finish.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the savory profile with hints of tangy and smoky depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses subtle herbal notes that tie the flavors together beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for rounding out and brightening every mouthful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the beef and vegetables, adding a light fruity richness.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it sizzles. This step builds the foundation of flavor with all those caramelized bits that make every bite deliciously meaty.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about three to four minutes until they become soft and aromatic. These veggies add a sweet and fragrant background that complements the beef perfectly.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, letting it toast with the beef and aromatics for one to two minutes. This little step helps to unlock a nuttier flavor and keeps the rice nice and fluffy once baked.
Step 4: Mix in the Soups and Broth
Pour in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar soup, and drained diced tomatoes. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, giving everything a thorough stir. This creates a luscious and well-layered sauce that will soak into the rice and beef as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Transfer this savory mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and cover it tightly with foil. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 40 minutes. The rice will absorb all the tasty liquids, softening perfectly.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil, give the casserole a gentle stir, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly golden blanket over the whole dish. Let it rest for five minutes before diving in.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh garnish like chopped green onions, parsley, or a dollop of sour cream can brighten the rich flavors of the casserole beautifully. They add a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the cheesy, hearty base.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a crisp garden salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. These lighter accompaniments balance the richness and boost the meal’s freshness and variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming single-portion presentation or layer it in a trifle dish to show off the layers visually. You could even add extra toppings like sliced jalapeños or crispy fried onions to customize each serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for busy lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! To store, cool completely and pack tightly in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes. For quick reheats, a microwave-safe portion works too, but be sure to cover it to keep moisture locked in and avoid drying out the cheesy top.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great whole-grain swap but note that it will require a longer baking time—typically an extra 15 to 20 minutes—to become tender. Just keep an eye on the liquid levels and add a splash more broth if needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free versions of the cream soups and Worcestershire sauce. Double-check ingredient labels, and you’ll have a comforting gluten-free casserole ready to enjoy.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Frozen peas or corn stirred in before baking add color, sweetness, and extra nutrition. Feel free to experiment with bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie boost.
How spicy is the casserole?
This recipe is mild and kid-friendly as is, but you can easily add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños if you love some heat. The creamy elements help mellow any spice, making it very manageable.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences while keeping that hearty protein punch.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe is truly one of those all-time favorites that never fails to bring smiles around the dinner table. Easy to assemble, packed with flavor, and delightfully cheesy, it’s the ultimate dish for busy nights or cozy family meals. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every comforting bite!
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Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty American main dish that combines savory ground beef, tender rice, creamy soups, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners, this easy-to-make casserole delivers rich flavors with a cheesy, bubbly top layer and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of cheddar soup
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
Cheese and Seasonings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks for even cooking and texture.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with beef. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant, adding depth to the dish.
- Add and Toast Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly for enhanced flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar soup, and drained diced tomatoes. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer in the skillet then remove from heat to prepare for baking.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the beef and rice mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and cover tightly with foil to lock in moisture while baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb flavors and cook through.
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove foil, stir the casserole, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice, but increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes, ensuring the rice is fully cooked before serving.
- For extra vegetables and added nutrition, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas or corn before baking the casserole.
