Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

If you’re craving an ultra-comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together with minimal effort, you’ll love this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole. It’s hearty, creamy, and loaded with tender ground beef, fluffy rice, melty cheddar, and a savory mushroom sauce base. Best of all? It’s baked in one dish and ready in under an hour.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, feeding a hungry family, or looking for an easy freezer-friendly recipe, this casserole delivers every time.

In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make the best beef and rice casserole—plus tips, variations, make-ahead options, and perfect pairings.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

1. Easy, Family-Friendly Dinner

No complicated steps here—just simple pantry staples and a straightforward prep process. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need something quick, filling, and satisfying.

2. Classic Comfort Flavors

This dish is rich, savory, cheesy, and nostalgic. The combination of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and gooey cheddar gives serious cozy vibes that both kids and adults love.

3. Minimal Clean-Up

Everything gets mixed together and baked in one dish, so you won’t be left with a sink full of pans. Bonus: you can even use just one bowl if you cook the beef in advance!

4. Totally Customizable

This casserole is the perfect base to make your own. Add veggies, swap proteins, or play around with seasonings to suit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy classic:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef – Use lean ground beef (85% or 90%) for best results.

• 2 cups cooked white rice – Fresh or leftover rice works perfectly.

• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup – For that creamy, savory base.

• ½ cup milk – Helps loosen and smooth the sauce.

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided – Sharp cheddar adds bold cheesy flavor.

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami depth and richness.

Seasonings:

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1½ pounds of ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 3: Combine the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Cooked ground beef

• 2 cups cooked white rice

• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the beef and rice mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that golden, cheesy crust.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is fully melted.

Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Rice Casserole

• Use Leftover Rice: Day-old rice works great—it helps prevent the dish from getting mushy.

• Add Cheese on Top and Inside: Layer cheese in the filling and on top for the best melty texture.

• Don’t Overbake: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, it’s ready! Overbaking can dry it out.

• Season to Taste: Cream soups and cheese have salt, so be sure to taste before adding more salt.

Variations and Add-Ins

Protein Swaps

• Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option

• Italian sausage for extra flavor

• Chopped cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken

Vegetable Additions

Mix in before baking:

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

• ½ cup sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers

• 1 cup steamed broccoli florets

Cheese Options

Switch it up with:

• Mozzarella for a milder flavor

• Pepper Jack for a little spice

• Colby Jack for extra creaminess

Extra Flavor Boosters

• Add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha for heat

• Mix in some sour cream for tang

• Top with crushed fried onions or buttery crackers for a crispy topping

What to Serve with Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

This casserole is rich and hearty on its own, but here are some great pairings to round out the meal:

Sides:

• Steamed green beans or asparagus

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

• Side salad with vinaigrette

Drinks:

• Iced tea or lemonade

• A light red wine like Pinot Noir

• Sparkling water with lemon

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

Can I Make It Ahead?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bake as directed (adding an extra 5–10 minutes if chilled).

How to Store Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes

• Reheat the whole dish in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes, covered

Can I Freeze It?

Yes! This casserole freezes well.

• Wrap unbaked or baked casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months

• To bake from frozen: Bake at 350°F for 60–75 minutes, covered

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well—it just adds a nuttier flavor and a bit more texture.

Can I use homemade mushroom sauce instead of canned?

Definitely. A quick roux with mushrooms, butter, flour, and milk makes a great substitute.

What’s the best ground beef for this?

Use 85% lean for flavor without too much grease. Just be sure to drain off any fat.

Is this casserole spicy?

Not at all—but you can spice it up with chili flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños if you’d like!

Why This Recipe Works

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the ultimate one-dish wonder: it’s creamy, meaty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. The cream of mushroom soup binds everything together with just the right amount of moisture, while rice gives it substance and stretch. The cheese? That’s the melty glue that makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s affordable and endlessly adaptable—a dinner MVP for busy households.

Final Thoughts

If you need a quick and cozy dinner that’s sure to satisfy, you can’t go wrong with Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole. It’s comfort food done right—with pantry-friendly ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor.

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