Nothing says “home” quite like a bubbling casserole straight from the oven. This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole combines familiar pantry ingredients, ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cream soup with melty Cheddar cheese to create a one-dish meal that’s both satisfying and deeply comforting. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight, preparing a dish for a potluck, or simply craving a hearty, no-fuss dinner, this casserole delivers on flavor, ease, and pure, cheesy satisfaction.
Why This Casserole Works
At its core, this recipe balances three crucial elements of comfort cooking:
- Protein: Lean ground beef brings savory richness and substance.
- Starch: Long-grain white rice soaks up juices and soup, yielding tender, cohesive grains.
- Cheese & Cream: A mixture of cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, and shredded Cheddar makes a creamy, tangy sauce that binds everything together.
Each component plays its part, resulting in a flavorful casserole without being heavy, adaptable without sacrificing heartiness, and simple enough that novice cooks can achieve stellar results on their first try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make an approximately 9×13-inch casserole (serves 6–8), gather:
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed under cold water
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (10½ oz/300 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for mild warmth)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Pro Tips on Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Choose 90/10 lean for flavor without excessive fat. If you prefer turkey or plant-based crumbles, they work beautifully here too.
- Rice: Rinsing removes surface starch and prevents gummy textures. You can substitute jasmine or basmati, but cooking time may vary.
- Soup: Cream of mushroom is classic, but cream of chicken or celery soup also pairs nicely.
- Cheese: Sharp Cheddar gives the best tang; for extra creaminess, stir in a handful of shredded Monterey Jack or Colby.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter. - Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. - Sauté the Aromatics
Return the skillet to medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, roughly 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. - Build the Sauce
To the skillet, add the rinsed rice, undrained diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder (if using), and oregano. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are fully combined and the rice is submerged. - Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth into an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top in an even layer. - Bake Covered
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This initial covered bake steams the rice, ensuring even cooking without drying out. - Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. - Final Cheese Layer
Scatter the remaining ½ cup of Cheddar over the hot casserole. Return to the oven, uncovered, for 5 more minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. - Rest and Garnish
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This brief rest allows steam to redistribute and ensures neat slices. Sprinkle chopped parsley or sliced green onions on top for a fresh pop of color.
Variations and Customizations
Feel free to make this casserole your own with simple swaps or additions:
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in 1 cup frozen corn, peas, or chopped bell peppers for color and extra nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Swap chili powder for a teaspoon of chipotle powder or add a diced jalapeño.
- Different Cheeses: Mix half Cheddar with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even smoked Gouda for a unique flavor profile.
- Meaty Upgrade: Use a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, or add crumbled bacon on top just before the final cheese layer.
- Rice Alternatives: For a lower-carb version, substitute riced cauliflower—but reduce the bake time, as cauliflower cooks faster.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole shines as a standalone meal, but pairing suggestions elevate the experience:
- A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread
- Tangy condiments like sour cream, sliced avocado, or hot sauce
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Advance Assembly: Prepare through the “Assemble the Casserole” step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the covered baking time if the casserole is cold.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350 °F oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked in a foil-lined, freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Why Your Family Will Love It
This casserole delivers on all fronts: budget-friendly ingredients, minimal hands-on time, and one-dish cleanup. The marriage of tender rice, robust ground beef, and creamy, cheesy sauce creates a flavor experience that feels indulgent yet approachable. Adjust the spice level, sneak in vegetables, or top with extra garnishes. This recipe welcomes creativity. Serve it alongside a simple side salad or bread, and watch this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole become a fast favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy the warm satisfaction of comfort food done right! That’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
A hearty, one-dish comfort meal combining savory ground beef, tender rice, and gooey Cheddar cheese in a creamy tomato base.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (10½ oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
2. Brown beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain fat.
3. Sauté onion until soft, add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
4. Stir in rice, tomatoes with juice, soup, broth, Worcestershire, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer mixture to baking dish; sprinkle 1 cup Cheddar on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil; bake 15 more minutes until rice is tender.
8. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup Cheddar; bake 5 minutes until melted.
9. Let rest 5 minutes; garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hrs before baking.
Add veggies like corn or bell pepper for extra color.
Swap half the Cheddar for Monterey Jack for creaminess.
Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
