Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that checks all the boxes for easy weeknight dinners, you’re going to love this Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how this casserole comes together with simple ingredients that turn into a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that my whole family adores. Stick with me and I’ll share my favorite tips for making it perfectly every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe lies in the balance of protein, starch, and creamy cheese sauce. Each ingredient plays a role to make the final dish rich but still super straightforward.

• Ground beef: I use lean ground beef to keep it hearty without too much grease.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
• Garlic: Just a touch to boost flavor without overpowering.
• Cooked white rice: Makes the casserole filling and helps soak up that creamy sauce.
• Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken): This is the secret to the creamy texture everyone loves.
• Milk or beef broth: Thins out the soup just enough to make a smooth sauce.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that makes you want to dive right in.
• Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth and color.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, adjust to your taste.
• Chopped parsley (optional): Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness when serving.

Variations

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily personalize it depending on what you have or want to try.

• Swap in ground turkey or chicken: I’ve done this when I wanted something leaner, and the casserole still tastes wonderful.
• Add veggies: Throw in frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrients – my family doesn’t even notice the difference!
• Use different cheeses: I like mixing cheddar with mozzarella for extra gooeyness or Parmesan on top for a sharper bite.
• Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or chili powder adds a nice kick if you want to jazz it up a bit.

How to Make Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and diced onion, then cook them together, breaking the beef apart with a wooden spoon until it’s fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Don’t rush this step – getting a good brown on your beef locks in flavor. After cooking, drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Prepare the Sauce

Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant – garlic cooks fast, and you don’t want it to burn. Meanwhile, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup (or chicken), milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This mixture is what makes the casserole creamy and flavorful, so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In the dish, combine the cooked rice, beef and onion mixture, half of your shredded cheddar cheese, and the sauce you just made. Mix everything well so that the cheese and sauce evenly coat the rice and beef – that way, every scoop is cheesy and delicious.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist and bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes so the cheese gets bubbly and starts to turn golden. If you want to add a crispy cheese topping (which I highly recommend), broil it for an extra 2 minutes—but keep an eye on it! Broiling can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if you like a fresh, vibrant touch. Then dig in while it’s hot. Trust me, you’ll find it hard to stop yourself from going back for more.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. It adds a bright color that makes the dish Instagram-worthy and a little fresh herbiness to balance the richness. Sometimes, I also add a spoonful of sour cream or light drizzle of hot sauce if we want a little tangy twist.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is quite hearty on its own, I like to pair it with a light salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Garlic bread also works wonderfully if you’re craving some buttery crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For serving at a casual family dinner or potluck, I’ve sometimes spooned this casserole into individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—makes it feel special and ensures everyone gets a perfect cheesy crust on top. It’s also great layered in a clear glass baking dish to show off all those delicious layers of beef, rice, and cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven—just be sure to cover it with foil in the oven to avoid drying out.

Freezing

This Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe freezes well, which is perfect for batch cooking. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop leftovers into a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes). This keeps the cheese gooey and prevents the casserole surface from becoming rubbery, unlike microwaving which can sometimes dry it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is my go-to for busy evenings when I want a warm, satisfying meal without fuss. I love that it’s so forgiving—easy to adapt with what you have on hand—and my family really craves it. If you give it a try, I bet you’ll see why it’s become such a staple in our household. Happy cooking, friend!

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