Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole 🧀🍖🍚

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Combining tender ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar cheese, this dish is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. With its savory spices and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious casserole step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comfort in Every Bite : A hearty mix of ground beef, rice, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal.
2. Easy & Approachable : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
3. One-Pan Wonder : Minimal cleanup with most of the cooking done in one dish.
4. Customizable : Add veggies, spices, or toppings to suit your taste.
5. Make Ahead Friendly : Prep ahead and bake when ready, making it perfect for meal planning.

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef 🥩
• 2 cups cooked white rice 🍚 (or brown rice for a healthier option )
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup 🍲
• ½ cup milk 🥛
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese , divided 🧀
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper , to taste 🧂⚫

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (for extra nutrition )
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for umami flavor )
• Hot sauce (for a spicy kick )

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium heat , cook the ground beef until browned and no pink remains, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce , garlic powder , onion powder , salt , and pepper . Mix well to combine.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
   • Optional : Stir in soy sauce or hot sauce for added depth of flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked ground beef , cooked rice , and soup mixture . Stir gently to evenly distribute the ingredients.
   • Optional : Stir in frozen peas or mixed vegetables for added color and nutrition.
2. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Reserve the remaining ½ cup of cheese for later.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes .
2. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
3. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes , or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, hearty goodness!

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients : Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
2. Add Veggies : Stir in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
3. Make Ahead : Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
4. Freeze for Later : Freeze unbaked portions in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months . Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
5. Switch Up the Protein : Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a different twist.

Perfect Pairings

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Side Salad : Serve with a crisp green salad or Caesar salad for balance.
• Garlic Bread : Pair with warm garlic bread or breadsticks for soaking up the sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables : Serve with roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrients.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a glass of red wine for refreshment.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 8 servings)

• Calories : ~350 kcal
• Protein : ~20g
• Carbohydrates : ~25g
• Fat : ~20g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a comforting, indulgent dish that brings together the best of hearty ground beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, potluck, or cozy night in, this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction. The combination of tender beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar creates a dish that’s as hearty as it is delicious.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the seasonings, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your ground beef, cook that rice, and get ready to enjoy a casserole that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.