Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings the whole family running to the table, look no further than Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole! Loaded with hearty beef, creamy rice, tender mushrooms, and boatloads of melty cheddar, this classic casserole is as cozy as it gets.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole proves that a handful of basic kitchen staples can create something spectacular! Each ingredient here brings depth, texture, or that dreamy creaminess that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Here’s why each one matters:

• Ground Beef (1 lb., 85% lean): This gives the casserole hearty flavor and makes it ultra-filling—85% lean strikes the perfect balance between juicy and not overly greasy.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, & Pepper: Just the right blend of spices ensures each bite is savory and perfectly seasoned.
• Butter (3 tbsp, divided): Adds richness and helps build flavor as you sauté the onions and garlic.
• Onions (¾ cup, diced): These soften up and impart sweet, fragrant undertones throughout the casserole.
• Garlic (1 tbsp, minced): For that irresistible aromatic kick—nothing says “homecooked” quite like the smell of sizzling garlic!
• Beef Broth (2 ½ cups): It infuses the rice with a savory, meaty backbone. Use low-sodium if you want more salt control.
• White Long Grain Rice (1 ¼ cups, uncooked): This rice cooks up fluffy and soaks in all those rich flavors—don’t use minute or instant rice here.
• Button Mushrooms (8 oz., sliced): They bring earthiness and a lovely tender bite (and if you’re not a mushroom fan, see the variations below!).
• Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz.): Makes the casserole creamy and ties all the flavors together—store-bought or homemade both work well.
• Milk (½ cup): Any type works, from whole to skim—this helps keep things creamy but not too thick.
• Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds a little tang and extra smoothness. Greek yogurt works in a pinch.
• Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): Freshly grated melts like a dream but pre-shredded is perfectly fine for busy nights!

Variations

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is endlessly flexible, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or just using what’s on hand, there are so many tasty twists you can try.

• Swap the Mushrooms: Use frozen peas, carrots, or corn for a pop of color and sweetness—or skip veggies altogether for the picky eaters.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Choose a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and double-check your beef broth for a gluten-free label.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free creamy soup.
• Try Different Cheeses: Mix in pepper jack or mozzarella for a new flavor twist, or use a combo for extra richness.
• Lighten It Up: Use ground turkey instead of beef, and swap in Greek yogurt for the sour cream to reduce calories but keep it creamy.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high and cooking the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper as it cooks—this infuses the meat with flavor right from the start. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess grease, transfer the beef to a plate, and cover it with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pot (no need to clean it—those browned bits = flavor!). Toss in the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for one more minute to really wake up the flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Pour in the beef broth, remaining tablespoon of butter, and uncooked rice. Stir everything gently to combine, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 10 minutes—this lets the rice start soaking up all those delicious flavors.

Step 4: Add the Mushrooms and Finish Cooking

Lift the lid just long enough to add your sliced mushrooms, then cover it back up. Let it cook (without stirring!) for another 5–10 minutes, depending on your rice package directions. This ensures the mushrooms get perfectly tender without making the rice mushy.

Step 5: Let it Rest

When the rice is tender, turn off the heat and leave the lid in place for at least 10 minutes. Don’t peek! This rest time allows any stuck-on rice to release from the bottom of the pot, and lets everything finish steaming gently.

Step 6: Mix in Creamy Goodness

Now comes the best part: stir in the reserved ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of your cheddar. Give everything a good mix so the casserole is rich and evenly cheesy throughout—try not to eat it all from the pot!

Step 7: Bake with Cheesy Topping

Transfer everything to a greased 9×13 casserole dish, smoothing the top. Scatter the remaining cheese over everything for that irresistible bubbly golden crown. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes; it’s ready when everything is hot and the cheese is perfectly melty.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole cool just a minute or so before serving—you want it steamy, not scalding. Dish up big spoonfuls and watch those cheesy strands stretch (the best part!).

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or even a little extra shredded cheddar is all it takes to add color and zest to your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. For a pop of freshness, a few diced tomatoes or a dash of smoked paprika work wonders.

Side Dishes

This casserole is super hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies balances all the creamy richness. Garlic bread, steamed broccoli, or even a tangy cabbage slaw are all fantastic picks for rounding out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party vibe, or scoop hearty helpings into bowls and top with a poached egg for an ultra-satisfying brunch. It even works beautifully as a comforting potluck dish—just bring it warm and watch it disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for effortless lunches or a next-day dinner you’ll actually look forward to!

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer superstar. Wrap tightly or portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best, creamiest texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat single servings in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, or warm a covered casserole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese just before serving for that just-baked goodness!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s soul-satisfying, big on flavor, and guaranteed to gather everyone around the table, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole fits the bill. I can’t wait for you to try it—make it once and it just might become your new weeknight favorite!

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