This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that always hits the spot. I absolutely love how it brings together tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese into one cozy bake. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a week of easy meals, this casserole truly delivers on flavor and simplicity.
When I first tried this recipe, what struck me was how effortlessly it comes together with minimal hands-on time. You can choose from a quick method using cream of mushroom soup, a semi-homemade twist, or make your own sauce from scratch — so it really fits any mood or occasion. Trust me, once you master this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole recipe, you’ll find it becoming a regular comfort food favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Versatile: Offers quick, semi-homemade, or from-scratch options to suit your time and taste.
- Comfort in Every Bite: That melty cheese topping with savory beef and rice is pure, cozy satisfaction.
- Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this one — it’s an easy way to get dinner on the table with a crowd-pleaser.
- Hands-Off Baking: Minimal prep and then you let the oven work its magic while you relax or prep other things.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients come together in a way that balances creamy, savory, and wholesome textures — making every spoonful satisfying. Keep an eye out for fresh cheese and quality beef; they really elevate this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole recipe.
- Ground Beef: Use lean or regular depending on preference; cooks evenly and adds hearty flavor.
- Long Grain White Rice: Uncooked rice absorbs all those cozy flavors perfectly during baking.
- Carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and color contrast; slice them thin for even cooking.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This shortcut pantry staple brings creaminess and umami in the quick recipe version.
- Mushroom Gravy: Great for the semi-homemade route, offering a richer mushroom flavor than the canned soup.
- Milk: Adds silkiness to the gravy mixture in the semi-homemade approach.
- Butter, Onion, Garlic, and Mushrooms: For the from-scratch sauce—fresh aromatics make a huge difference.
- Flour: Helps thicken the homemade sauce; whisk it well to avoid lumps.
- Cream and Chicken Broth: Create a rich and luscious base for the from-scratch version.
- Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese: I love using sliced cheese on top so it melts beautifully and pulls apart deliciously.
Variations
I’m a big fan of making this casserole my own by switching up cheeses or adding more veggies depending on what’s in season or what I have on hand. You’ll love experimenting with different twists — it makes the recipe feel fresh each time.
- Swap Cheeses: I once used pepper jack for a spicy kick, and my family couldn’t stop raving about it.
- Add Veggies: Throw in some frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients without fuss.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, these proteins work beautifully, just watch your seasoning.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of smoked paprika or chili powder to the beef for a smoky flavor you won’t forget.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Beef and Veggies
Start by cooking your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, then stir in your sliced carrots to soften slightly in the pan—this helps them cook better in the casserole. Cooking the beef and carrots beforehand means your dish will have a better texture and flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Base Sauce or Soup
Depending on which version you’re making, whisk together your creamy base: for the quick recipe, it’s simply cream of mushroom soup, rice, water, and beef; the semi-homemade version combines water, mushroom gravy, and milk; while the from-scratch method calls for melting butter, sautéing onions, garlic, and mushrooms, then stirring in flour, cream, and broth until thick and luscious. Whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure an even bake.
Step 3: Combine Everything in Your Baking Dish
Grease an 8×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Pour your mixture of sauce, rice, cooked beef, and carrots into the dish, stirring gently to distribute everything evenly. This ensures every bite has that perfect balance of cheesy beef and tender rice. Pro tip: Don’t skip the spray; it saves you from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 4: Bake and Melt that Cheese!
Pop your casserole into a preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 90 minutes. I know it’s a bit long, but this low-and-slow bake lets the rice fully cook and absorbs all the yummy flavors. After the baking time, lay your sliced cheddar or Colby Jack cheese on top and bake for an additional few minutes until melted and bubbly — that golden cheese topping is what makes this dish so irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Bake: Giving the casserole a full 90 minutes lets the rice soften perfectly and flavors meld beautifully.
- Drain Cooked Beef Well: Excess grease can make the casserole soggy—pat your beef dry if needed before mixing.
- Cheese Choice Matters: I prefer sliced cheese on top since it melts into a luscious, stretchable layer instead of just sprinkling shredded.
- Layer Evenly: Stir your ingredients well before transferring to the dish so every bite has that classic blend of beef, rice, and carrot.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I like topping this casserole with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of green onions for freshness and a pop of color. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream on the side adds a nice tangy contrast that complements the cheesy richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple steamed green beans or a crisp side salad to balance the hearty main dish. Garlic bread or dinner rolls also work great if you want to keep things indulgent and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving the casserole in individual ramekins sprinkled with a little extra cheese and broiled until bubbly. It feels a bit fancy but is still super approachable and comforting. You can also jazz it up with a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle of smoked paprika for an eye-catching finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheesy ground beef and rice casserole stores very well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I always let it cool to room temp before refrigerating, which helps keep the cheese from becoming gummy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers before baking. You can either bake before freezing or freeze the uncooked casserole and bake it straight from the freezer (add extra baking time if frozen). It’s such a lifesaver for busy nights!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. The microwave works too, but I recommend breaking up the casserole and reheating in shorter intervals to keep it from getting rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice takes longer to cook and may need more liquid and baking time compared to white rice. If you want to use brown rice, I recommend pre-cooking it before assembling the casserole to ensure it cooks evenly and avoids a crunchy texture.
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Is it okay to use shredded cheese instead of sliced cheese?
Absolutely! Shredded cheese will melt faster and creates a different texture — more of a cheesy crust instead of the gooey slices. Either works well, so choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
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Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You can omit the ground beef and add hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the from-scratch sauce to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
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What’s the best way to avoid the casserole drying out?
Make sure to use the right amount of liquid as specified and cover the casserole loosely with foil if you’re concerned about drying. Also, adding cheese on top near the end helps lock in moisture and adds luscious richness.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals that always feels like a warm hug after a long day. I love how adaptable it is — giving me options to suit a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend cook. If you’re looking for a reliable, cheesy casserole that your whole family will adore, give this recipe a try. I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite for you too!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners. It combines savory ground beef, tender carrots, and fluffy long grain white rice baked together in a creamy mushroom sauce, then topped with melted cheddar or Colby Jack cheese. Choose from three variations: Quick Recipe using cream of mushroom soup, Semi Homemade with mushroom gravy, or From Scratch with a homemade creamy mushroom sauce. Each version delivers a rich, satisfying casserole that’s simple to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
Quick Recipe
- 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 cup Long Grain White Rice, uncooked
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Carrots, sliced
- 1/2–1 pound Ground Beef, cooked
- Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese, sliced, about 9 pieces
Semi Homemade
- 1 cup Long Grain White Rice, uncooked
- 2 cups Water
- 1/2 to 1 pound Ground Beef, cooked
- 1 cup Carrots, sliced
- Pacific Foods Mushroom Gravy, 13.9 ounces
- 1/2 cup Milk
- Colby Jack or Medium Cheddar Cheese, for topping
From Scratch
- 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 cup Onion, minced
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup White Button Mushroom, minced
- 3 Tablespoons Flour
- 1/2 cup Cream
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups Water
- 1/2–1 pound Ground Beef, cooked
- 1 cup Carrots, sliced
- Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese, sliced, about 9 slices
- 1 cup Long Grain White Rice, uncooked
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare an 8×9″ baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray or greasing it, depending on the recipe version.
- Mix Ingredients – Quick Recipe: In a large bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, uncooked rice, water, sliced carrots, and cooked ground beef until well combined.
- Mix Ingredients – Semi Homemade: Whisk together water, Pacific Foods mushroom gravy, and milk. Then add this mixture along with rice, cooked ground beef, and carrots into a bowl and mix to combine.
- Prepare Sauce – From Scratch: In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced onion, garlic, and mushrooms, whisking continuously. Stir in flour and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, then gradually add cream and chicken broth, cooking until thickened. Season with black pepper and salt, then remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients – From Scratch: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cream sauce, water, uncooked rice, cooked ground beef, and carrots, stirring until mixed.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the greased or sprayed baking dish for all recipe versions. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 90 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with slices of cheddar or Colby Jack cheese (approximately 9 slices). Return to the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Notes
- This casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave for leftovers.
- Adjust the amount of ground beef between 1/2 to 1 pound based on your preference or serving size.
- Use nonstick spray or grease the baking dish well to avoid sticking.
- Cook the ground beef beforehand until fully browned and drain excess fat to keep the casserole less greasy.
- For a richer flavor, use the From Scratch mushroom sauce variation.
- Rice is added uncooked and cooks along with the casserole, soaking up flavorful liquids.
