If you’re craving a comforting, homey dish that combines savory flavors with a creamy, cheesy finish, look no further than this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those satisfying meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The tender ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, earthy mushrooms, and rich cheddar meld together beautifully in a single casserole that’s both hearty and indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish hits all the right notes for flavor and convenience.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it wonderfully simple while packing in layers of flavor and satisfying textures. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the savory ground beef and fragrant Italian seasoning to the creamy soup and melty cheddar cheese that bring everything together.

Ground beef (1 lb., 85% lean): Provides a rich, hearty base that’s perfectly savory without being greasy.
Italian seasoning (1.5 teaspoons): Adds a burst of herbs like oregano and basil for a warm, aromatic touch.
Salt and pepper: Essential to season and enhance all the flavors.
Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Used to sauté onions and add richness to the dish’s creamy layers.
Onions (¾ cup, diced): Bring a mild sweetness and depth when cooked down.
Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced): Offers that undeniable punch of savory goodness.
Beef broth (2 ½ cups): Cooks the rice and infuses the casserole with a meaty, savory base.
Uncooked white long grain rice (1 ¼ cups): The perfect starchy foundation that soaks up all the flavors.
Sliced button mushrooms (8 oz., washed): Adds a tender, earthy element that complements the beef beautifully.
Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz.): Creates a luxuriously creamy texture and ties the ingredients together.
Milk (½ cup): Lightens and smooths out the creaminess.
Sour cream (½ cup): Brings tanginess and richness for extra creaminess.
Cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts on top and inside for that irresistible gooey, cheesy finish.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and browning your ground beef. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as it cooks to infuse the meat with flavor from the very beginning. Once browned, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside covered to keep warm. This layering of flavors is key to making your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe shine.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the diced onions. Cook them gently until they soften and become translucent, about five minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. This aromatic base creates a lovely foundation that enhances every bite of the casserole.

Step 3: Cook the Rice with Broth

Next, pour in the beef broth, remaining butter, and uncooked rice. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil before turning the heat down to a simmer. Cover the pot tightly and let the rice cook for 10 minutes. This step allows the rice to absorb all the savory broth flavors, so it’s tender but not mushy.

Step 4: Add Mushrooms and Finish Cooking Rice

After the initial 10 minutes, add your sliced mushrooms to the pot, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes—make sure to check your rice package for exact times. Remember not to stir the rice during cooking to avoid clumping and maintain a perfect texture. Once done, turn off the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 10 minutes to finish steaming gently.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

With your rice perfectly cooked, stir the reserved ground beef back into the pot along with cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything until the casserole is creamy and cheesy through and through. Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, cover it with foil, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh contrast to the richness of this casserole. For a little extra zing, you might try adding a dollop of sour cream or a few dashes of hot sauce on the side.

Side Dishes

This filling casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli. The brightness and crunch of fresh vegetables balance out the creamy, cheesy goodness for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can serve the casserole in individual ramekins to make it feel special and personalized. Alternatively, spoon it over a bed of fresh baby spinach or alongside roasted vegetables to elevate the presentation and add sophisticated layers of flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cool the casserole completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for a quick reheat during busy weekdays.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing uncooked, assemble it as instructed and cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap to protect it from freezer burn. It will keep for up to 3 months. For baked leftovers, let the casserole cool, wrap securely, and freeze for the same duration.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes). If reheating from frozen, allow the casserole to thaw overnight in the fridge first. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes make the rice a bit dry, so covering the dish helps retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it will require longer cooking time and possibly more liquid. Adjust accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through and remains tender without becoming mushy.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein or extra mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The cream of mushroom soup and cheese still provide plenty of savory, creamy goodness.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Cheddar is classic here, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a smoky gouda. Just choose a cheese that melts well and complements the beef and mushrooms.

What can I do if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

You can make a simple homemade creamy mushroom sauce or use cream of chicken soup as a substitute. Another option is combining sour cream with sautéed mushrooms and a little broth to mimic the texture and flavor.

How do I adapt this recipe for a slow cooker?

Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic separately, then add all ingredients except half the cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until rice is tender. Stir in the cheese near the end and top with the remaining cheese before serving.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say that this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is a game-changer for family dinners or casual get-togethers. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious, with layers of flavor that make every bite special. So gather your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and treat yourself to a dish that feels like it was made with love—because it was!

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.3 from 51 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, tender rice, mushrooms, and rich cheese in a creamy sauce. The recipe allows for cooking the rice and beef mixture in one pot before baking it in the oven for a deliciously cheesy golden top. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole offers a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and delightful flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasonings

1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

¾ cup onions, diced
1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
8 oz. sliced button mushrooms, washed

Liquids and Dairy

2 ½ cups beef broth
3 Tablespoons butter (divided)
10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk (any kind)
½ cup sour cream
2 cups cheddar cheese (divided)

Grains

1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant rice)

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Instructions

Preparation Note: Check your rice package for exact liquid amounts and cooking time. Alternatively, cook the rice separately and prepare about 3 ¾ cups of cooked rice for the casserole.
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
Brown Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking for enhanced flavor.
Drain and Set Aside: Drain excess grease from the beef. Transfer the meat to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add Broth, Butter, and Rice: Pour in the beef broth, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, and stir in the uncooked rice until well combined.
Simmer Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cover and Cook: Cover the pot tightly and allow the rice to cook for 10 minutes without stirring.
Add Mushrooms and Continue Cooking: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot, re-cover, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes according to your rice package instructions. Avoid stirring the rice during this process.
Let it Rest: Turn off the heat, keep the pot covered, and let the rice stand for 10 minutes so the rice on the bottom can release naturally.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese until fully incorporated.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Top evenly with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake: Cover the casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. Enjoy your cheesy and satisfying ground beef and rice casserole!

Notes

Use long grain white rice for best texture; avoid instant rice as it alters cooking times.
Do not stir the rice while it is cooking to prevent a gummy texture.
If preferred, cooking rice separately allows more precise control over the rice texture.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 3 days.
To make this dish creamier, you can add more sour cream or a splash of heavy cream when combining the ingredients.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American