Cozy Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this delectable ground beef and rice casserole that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over tender rice and seasoned meat, making every bite a delightful experience.

The simple ingredients blend together effortlessly, creating a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

Packed with robust flavors and creamy textures, this casserole becomes an instant crowd-pleaser at dinner tables.

Home cooks can whip up this delicious dish with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Each forkful combines savory beef, fluffy rice, and rich cheese into a symphony of comfort.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Store Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 3 months for future quick meals.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in baking dish, add splash of broth or milk to restore moisture. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

Pair with Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot cuts through the casserole's richness, complementing the hearty beef and creamy cheese with its tannic structure.
• Create Crisp Green Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness, adding fresh, zesty notes that cleanse the palate between bites.
• Roast Seasonal Vegetable Medley: Complement the dish with roasted Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots, which provide caramelized sweetness and nutritional contrast to the protein-packed casserole.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Add a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the extra cheese and sauce, creating a perfect textural companion that enhances the overall dining experience.

Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Variations

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced portobello mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Swap rice with riced cauliflower to create a keto-friendly alternative. Maintain all other ingredients and cooking techniques for similar taste and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Ensure no cross-contamination during preparation for sensitive individuals.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese instead of cheddar, add diced bell peppers, and sprinkle dried oregano. Replace cream of mushroom soup with Greek yogurt for a tangy Mediterranean profile.

FAQs

• Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for kids. It’s cheesy, comforting, and packed with familiar ingredients like ground beef and rice that most children enjoy. The creamy texture and mild flavors make it appealing to young palates.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

To make the casserole healthier, use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and replace cream of mushroom soup with a homemade sauce. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value.

• What are some good side dishes to serve with this casserole?

Green salad, steamed vegetables, roasted broccoli, or a simple side of garlic bread complement this hearty casserole perfectly. These sides add freshness and balance to the rich, cheesy main dish.

Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Flavor Highlights

• A one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-warming meal with minimal kitchen chaos and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Packed with kid-approved ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and rice, this casserole guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
• Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, this recipe welcomes creative add-ins like extra vegetables or alternative protein options without compromising its delicious core.
• Utilizing affordable pantry staples and basic ingredients, this casserole delivers restaurant-quality taste without breaking the bank, making it perfect for smart home cooks.

Ground Beef & Rice Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the casserole.
• Mushrooms: Earthy vegetables that add depth and additional texture to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that creates a gooey, delicious topping.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy binding ingredient that adds richness to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: A tangy component that enhances the overall creaminess of the dish.
• Milk: A smooth liquid that helps create a cohesive and creamy texture.

• Onions, Garlic: Flavor-building ingredients that provide a savory and aromatic base.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Butter: A rich ingredient that adds flavor and helps sauté the aromatics.

• Rice: A fluffy and absorbent grain that serves as the foundation of the casserole.
• Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and adds depth to the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Set your oven to 350F (175C).

This initial warming ensures your casserole will cook evenly and develop those delicious golden edges.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook ground beef until it’s completely done and no pink remains.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian herbs

Step 3: Handle The Beef Drippings

Drain excess fat from the beef using a colander.

Transfer the cooked meat to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 4: Saute Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt butter and cook diced onions until they become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrant oils.

Step 5: Cook The Rice

Add rice and beef broth to the skillet.

Stir ingredients thoroughly to combine and ensure rice is well-coated with liquid.

Step 6: Simmer Rice

Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.

Cover and let rice cook for 10-12 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 7: Add Mushrooms

Gently stir sliced mushrooms into the rice.

Replace lid and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes.

Step 8: Rest The Rice

Remove skillet from heat but keep covered.

Allow rice to steam for 10 minutes, creating perfectly fluffy texture.

Step 9: Mix Creamy Components

Fold cooked beef back into the rice mixture.

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Half of the shredded cheddar cheese

Step 10: Prepare Casserole Dish

Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Spread evenly and top with remaining cheese.

Step 11: Bake The Casserole

Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.

The cheese should become melted and slightly bubbly.

Step 12: Finishing Touch

Remove foil and let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.

Tips for Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

• Select ground beef with lower fat content to reduce excess grease and create a healthier casserole without sacrificing flavor.
• Wash rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separate grains that prevent a sticky texture.
• Sprinkle cheese in layers instead of just on top for more even melting and better distribution of cheesy goodness throughout the dish.
• Use low-sodium broth and avoid overadding liquids to maintain the perfect consistency and prevent a watery casserole.
• Sneak in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and add more depth to the recipe.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting cheesy ground beef and rice casserole brings warmth to family dinner tables with its hearty blend of savory meat, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked rice. Guaranteed to satisfy hunger and create smiles, you’ll love this simple yet delicious meal that feels like a culinary hug.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef 85% lean

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 0.75 cup onions diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic minced
• 8 ounces (8 oz) sliced button mushrooms

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups beef broth
• 0.5 cup milk
• 0.5 cup sour cream

Grains:

• 1.25 cups uncooked white long grain rice

Dairy and Soup:

• 10.5 ounces (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups cheddar cheese divided
• 3 tablespoons butter divided

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a warm environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. In a large pot over medium-high heat, thoroughly brown the ground beef, infusing it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to develop rich flavor profiles.
3. Meticulously drain excess grease from the beef, transferring it to a covered plate to maintain warmth while preparing subsequent components.
4. Melt butter in the same pot, sautéing diced onions until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to enhance aromatic depth.
5. Incorporate beef broth, remaining butter, and rice into the pot, ensuring complete coating and integration of ingredients.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and develop tender consistency.
7. Gently fold in sliced mushrooms, replacing the lid and continuing to cook for 5-7 minutes, enabling mushrooms to release their natural moisture.
8. Remove from heat, allowing the rice to rest, covered, for 10 minutes to complete cooking through residual steam.
9. Reunite the cooked beef with the rice mixture, blending cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half the cheddar cheese until uniformly combined.
10. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, distributing evenly and crowning with remaining cheese for maximum flavor coverage.
11. Shield the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes, transforming the ingredients into a harmonious, bubbling ensemble.
12. Allow the casserole to cool briefly after removing from the oven, then serve and savor the comforting, cheesy masterpiece.

Notes

• Customize your protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Enhance the dish’s nutrition by mixing in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the cooking process.
• Control the dish’s richness by using low-fat cheese and reduced-sodium broth for a healthier take without compromising flavor.
• Make it ahead by preparing the casserole up to the baking stage, then refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking, which can help develop deeper flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg