There's nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is pure comfort food—hearty, satisfying, and packed with rich, cheesy goodness. It’s a dish that brings back memories of family dinners, where everyone gathers around the table for a home-cooked meal.
I first made this casserole on a chilly evening when I needed something filling and easy. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little prep time, it became an instant favorite. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and gooey melted cheese is impossible to resist.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort meal. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is everything you want in an easy, family-friendly dinner.
First, it’s incredibly simple to make. Everything comes together in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have time for a complicated recipe.
It’s also budget-friendly. Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and cheese means you can feed a whole family without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples.
This casserole is crowd-pleasing and kid-approved. The cheesy, savory flavors make it a hit with picky eaters, and the leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Finally, it’s highly customizable. Want to add some veggies? Go for it! Need to make it spicier? Toss in some chili powder or diced jalapeños. The possibilities are endless.
Ingredients Notes

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is made with simple ingredients that create big flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground Beef – The star of the dish, ground beef adds a rich, meaty flavor. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use 90/10, but you may need to add a bit of oil to prevent dryness.
Rice – Long-grain white rice works best because it absorbs the flavors beautifully without becoming mushy. If you prefer brown rice, note that it will take longer to cook, so adjust the liquid accordingly.
Cheese – A generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese gives this casserole its signature gooey, melty texture. You can also mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes – These add a touch of acidity and richness to balance the flavors. If you like a little heat, try using fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky kick.
Seasonings – A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika enhances the savory depth of the dish. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.
You’ll also need a large oven-safe baking dish and aluminum foil to ensure even cooking and prevent the casserole from drying out.
How To Make This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Making this casserole is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Here’s how to bring it all together:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats up, cook your rice according to package instructions if you're not using instant rice.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s excess grease, drain it to avoid a greasy casserole.
Next, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with the beef mixture, stirring until everything is evenly incorporated. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to scoop out perfect portions.
Storage Options
This casserole stores well, making it a great meal prep option. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
For refrigeration, store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
If you want to freeze it, place portions in freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this casserole is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
Swap the Protein – Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add Vegetables – Sneak in some nutrition by mixing in bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. They add color, texture, and extra vitamins.
Make it Spicy – Love heat? Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce to spice things up.
Use a Different Cheese – While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with pepper jack, mozzarella, or smoked gouda for a unique twist.
Go Low-Carb – Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice to make it a lower-carb option while keeping all the delicious flavors intact.
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect dish to add to your recipe rotation. It’s warm, filling, and easy to customize to your tastes. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole never disappoints. Enjoy!
PrintCheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal made with tender rice, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese. This one-pan dish is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of cheddar soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked beef, uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of cheddar soup. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use brown rice for a healthier option, but adjust the cooking time.
- Add veggies like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
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