Short Description

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that brings together tender ground beef, fluffy white rice, and melty cheddar cheese in a creamy mushroom sauce. This easy, family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Filling: This casserole is rich, creamy, and loaded with satisfying textures and flavors.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this a go-to for any night of the week.
Family Favorite: Loved by adults and children alike, with ingredients that are typically pantry staples.
Great for Leftovers: Stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ pounds ground beef
2 cups cooked white rice
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

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Mix the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetable Boost: Add cooked peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
Different Meats: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Cream of Chicken Substitute: Use cream of chicken soup if preferred over mushroom.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual portions or the whole casserole tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used, but ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing in.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can substitute non-dairy cheese and use a dairy-free cream soup alternative.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend also work well.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish or make it in two pans.

Is it okay to use instant rice?

Instant rice can work, but reduce liquid slightly and monitor texture.

Can I add a crunchy topping?

Yes, crushed crackers, fried onions, or breadcrumbs make a great crunchy topping.

What side dishes go well with this?

A green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair perfectly.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes, assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze before baking. Add 10–15 minutes to baking time if cooking from frozen.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings comfort food to the table in under an hour. Its creamy texture, savory flavor, and cheesy topping make it a reliable favorite for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Give it a try—you’ll likely find it becomes a regular part of your menu rotation.

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

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Author: Douaa
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly meal loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s hearty, satisfying, and ready in no time!

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef with rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Add cooked veggies like peas, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition.
Substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
Use a blend of cheeses for deeper flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American