There's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, cheesy casserole fresh from the oven. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is packed with hearty flavors, gooey melted cheese, and a creamy texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I first discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed a one-pan meal that was both hearty and easy to make. Since then, it's become a staple in our home—especially when I need to feed a hungry crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Get ready to fall in love with this creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking for a cozy meal, this casserole has you covered.
- Quick and easy: This dish comes together in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when time is tight.
- Budget-friendly: Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, rice, cheese, and canned soup, this casserole is as affordable as it is delicious.
- One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in a single oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, saving you time on cleanup.
- Kid-approved: The cheesy, creamy texture makes it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe by swapping proteins, adding veggies, or switching up the cheese to suit your taste.
If you love comfort food with minimal effort, this casserole will be your new go-to dinner!
Ingredients Notes

This recipe uses pantry staples that come together to create a rich, comforting casserole. Let’s break down the key ingredients and their role in making this dish absolutely delicious.
- Ground beef – I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, opt for 90/10 but add a little butter or oil for richness.
- White rice – Long-grain white rice works best, as it cooks up light and fluffy without getting mushy. If using brown rice, increase the liquid and cooking time.
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese adds bold flavor and melts beautifully. For extra creaminess, mix in some Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- Cream of mushroom soup – This classic casserole staple creates a creamy, savory base. You can also use cream of chicken or cheddar soup for a different flavor.
- Beef broth – Enhances the meaty flavor while helping the rice cook to tender perfection.
- Garlic and onion – These add depth and a hint of sweetness to balance out the richness.
For best results, use a large oven-safe skillet or a 9x13 casserole dish to bake everything to bubbly, golden perfection.
How to Make This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This one-pan casserole is incredibly easy to make. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dinner in no time.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add the rice and broth: Stir in the uncooked white rice and beef broth, ensuring the rice is fully submerged in liquid. Bring to a simmer.
- Mix in the creamy base: Add the cream of mushroom soup and stir well to combine. The mixture should be smooth and evenly distributed.
- Top with cheese and bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and broil: Remove the foil and broil for 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
After about 35 minutes, your casserole will be perfectly cooked with tender rice, juicy beef, and melty cheese in every bite.
Storage Options
One of the best things about this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is how well it stores and reheats. Here’s how to keep leftovers fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Variations and Substitutions
This casserole is incredibly versatile, allowing you to switch things up based on what you have on hand. Here are some delicious variations:
- Protein swap: Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Veggie boost: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers for added color and nutrients.
- Cheese options: Swap cheddar for Colby Jack, Swiss, or even pepper jack if you like a little spice.
- Low-carb alternative: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option. Reduce the broth since cauliflower doesn’t absorb liquid like rice does.
- Extra creamy: Mix in sour cream or cream cheese for an even richer texture.
Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melty cheese. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy nights and delivers rich, comforting flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup white rice, uncooked
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of cheddar soup
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in rice, condensed soups, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Pour mixture into the baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until rice is tender.
- Remove from oven, stir in peas (if using), and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Return to oven uncovered for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use brown rice for added fiber, but adjust cooking time.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850 mg
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