Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that comes together with minimal fuss but delivers on serious flavor, then this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Take it from me—this casserole whips up with simple pantry staples and ends up packed with creamy, cheesy goodness that my whole family absolutely goes crazy for. I mean, what’s not to love about tender ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheddar cheese all baked into one bubbling dish? Keep reading—I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it perfectly, even if you’ve never tackled a casserole like this before.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe plays a key role — from juicy, seasoned beef to the creamy mushroom elements and, of course, that melty cheese that pulls it all together. When shopping, be sure to pick a good quality cheddar cheese and don’t skip the fresh mushrooms; they add so much earthy flavor and texture.

• Ground Beef: I use 85% lean for flavor and just enough fat to keep everything juicy without excess grease.
• Italian Seasoning: A simple blend that perks up the beef with herbs without overpowering the dish.
• Butter: Adds richness when cooking the onions and helps develop flavor layers.
• Onions: Diced finely so they melt into the casserole, giving sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: Just a tablespoon, but it makes a huge difference by brightening the whole mix.
• Beef Broth: Used to cook the rice, which infuses it with meaty flavor instead of plain water.
• White Long Grain Rice: Not instant rice — this cooks up fluffy and soaks in the delicious broth.
• Sliced Button Mushrooms: Fresh is best; they add that creamy, savory punch.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: The magic binder that makes this casserole luxuriously creamy.
• Milk: I usually use whole milk, but you can swap to whatever kind you like.
• Sour Cream: Gives a tangy creaminess that balances the richness perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild, depending on your preference — I split it between mixing in and topping the casserole.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is. You can easily make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite twists—making it a perfect go-to for experimenting in the kitchen.

• Swap Proteins: Once, I made it with ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version, and it still came out creamy and satisfying.
• Use Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack for a bit of heat or mozzarella for extra stretch and gooeyness—both are delicious!
• Make It Vegetarian: Leave out the beef and add extra mushrooms, or toss in cooked lentils for protein and texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the mix if you like a little kick.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef with Seasonings

Start by browning your ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. I like to break it up fairly small so it cooks evenly and gets nice and browned. Once most of the pink is gone, sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning—this little boost really layers the flavor right from the start. Drain the grease carefully—this is key so your casserole doesn’t get greasy—and set the beef aside covered with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add diced onions. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and translucent—this brings out their sweetness and depth. Toss in the garlic and cook for just a minute more, being careful not to let it burn. The aroma here is seriously one of my favorite kitchen smells.

Step 3: Cook the Rice in Beef Broth

Now add the beef broth, remaining butter, and uncooked rice to the pot. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, then bring it up to a boil. As soon as it bubbles, reduce to a simmer, cover tightly, and don’t peek or stir for 10 minutes. Then add the sliced mushrooms, cover again, and cook for another 5–10 minutes according to your rice package instructions. One of the biggest mistakes I used to make was stirring too much—it breaks down the rice and makes it mushy. Just trust the process and keep that lid on!

Step 4: Let It Rest and Build Flavors

Once the rice is done cooking, turn off the heat but leave the pot covered for 10 minutes to let everything steam and finish gently. You’ll notice some rice sticking to the bottom—that’s totally normal and actually adds a lovely texture to the casserole. This resting step makes a big difference in the final dish’s tenderness.

Step 5: Combine & Bake

Next, stir back in the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything until well combined and transfer to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. This final bake melts the cheese beautifully and lets all those flavors mingle into cheesy perfection.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top mine with a little fresh chopped parsley or green onions just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle smoky kick.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal. Steamed broccoli or green beans work beautifully for a quick, healthy side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this cheesy beef and rice mixture in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs—it makes each serving feel extra special. Another fun idea is to layer it with sautéed spinach or kale for an elegant look and boost of greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying dinner, I always let the casserole cool to room temperature before transferring leftovers into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it keeps wonderfully for 3 to 4 days and reheats beautifully.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a charm. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire casserole tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven—it’s a total lifesaver on a busy weeknight.

Reheating

To reheat and keep the casserole from drying out, I cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at around 325°F until heated through. For individual portions, the microwave works fine but I recommend adding a splash of milk on top to keep it moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe turns out every single time—rich, hearty, and satisfying without being complicated. When I first tried it, I was amazed at the ease and the way such simple ingredients can come together into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner. I really hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this recipe as much as my family and I do. Give it a try on your next cozy night in—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal.

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