The Best Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

The Best Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole You’ll Ever Make (Easy One-Pan Comfort Food)

If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and ridiculously satisfying, this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is about to become your new weeknight favorite. It’s everything you want in a homemade meal—flavor-packed, creamy, cheesy, and filling without being complicated. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for easy leftovers, this casserole hits the spot every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is pure comfort food with minimal effort. You only need one pan and simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s a budget-friendly, family-approved meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The flavors are rich and cheesy, and the creamy rice soaks up every bit of savory beef and sauce. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers taste just as good (if not better).

Recipe Overview

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Kitchen Equipment Required

• Large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil (if baking in the oven)

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean works great)
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn for extra texture

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How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in both cans of soup, beef broth, rice, sour cream, and half of the cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Simmer or Bake:
   • Option 1 (Stovetop): Cover the skillet and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
   • Option 2 (Oven): Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
4. Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. The rice will absorb the flavors even more as it sits.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use long-grain white rice—it holds its texture better than instant rice.
• Don’t skip the rest time after cooking; it helps the rice firm up.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of milk or cream before baking.
• Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded—it melts much smoother.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using uncooked instant rice: It cooks too quickly and can turn mushy.
• Skipping the foil cover during baking: It traps steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
• Not tasting as you go: Ground beef casseroles need seasoning—salt and pepper bring everything together.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a lighter or spicier twist.
• Cheese Options: Try mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a little heat.
• Add Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach blend in perfectly and boost nutrition.
• Make it Tex-Mex: Stir in a can of Rotel tomatoes and top with crushed tortilla chips.

How to Store and Meal Prep

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooled casserole portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it looks dry.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serving and Presentation IdeasTop with chopped green onions, parsley, or a drizzle of hot sauce for color and flavor. Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. If you’re hosting, bake it in a decorative dish so you can serve straight from the oven to the table—it looks and smells irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the broth and cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Is there a gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free cream soups or make your own with cornstarch and broth.

Can I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or use spicy cheese for a kick.

Related post: Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe 

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal—simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary night into something special with very little effort. Once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Whether you stick with the classic version or experiment with fun twists, one thing’s certain—you’ll be going back for seconds.