When you need a hearty dinner that is easy to prepare, filling, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a perfect choice. Tender rice, seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese come together in one comforting dish.
This is the kind of easy dinner recipe that works especially well on busy weeknights. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to keep on hand, while the finished casserole is rich, savory, and satisfying.
The creamy sauce coats every grain of rice, while the browned ground beef adds plenty of savory flavor. A generous layer of melted cheddar on top makes the casserole irresistibly cheesy.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Easy enough for a busy weeknight
- Made with affordable pantry staples
- Creamy, hearty, and cheesy
- A complete family dinner in one baking dish
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
- Easy to customize with vegetables or different cheeses
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
1. Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Brown the ground beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 1½ pounds lean ground beef and 1 small diced yellow onion. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, breaking the 1½ pounds ground beef into small pieces as it cooks.
Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Prepare the creamy sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup, 2 cups beef broth, ½ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
Whisk until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine the beef, rice, and sauce
Add 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice to the prepared sauce.
Stir in the cooked 1½ pounds ground beef, 1 small cooked onion, and 3 cooked minced garlic cloves.
Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and mix everything together until evenly combined.
The remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese will be used for the topping.
5. Transfer to the baking dish
Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the mixture into an even layer.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. A tight seal is important because the trapped steam helps cook the 1½ cups uncooked rice.
6. Bake the casserole
Bake the covered casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and check the rice.
If the 1½ cups rice is still firm and the casserole looks dry, add a small splash of beef broth, cover it again, and continue baking until the rice is tender.
7. Add the cheese
Once the rice is tender, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the 1 cup cheddar cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
For a beautifully golden top, place the casserole under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn.
8. Rest and serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Scoop the cheesy ground beef and rice casserole onto plates and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Use long-grain white rice
1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice works especially well because it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavorful beef broth and creamy sauce.
Avoid substituting instant rice without adjusting the liquid and cooking time.
Don’t skip the foil
Covering the casserole tightly allows the steam to remain inside the dish and helps cook the rice properly.
Freshly shred the cheese
For the smoothest melt, shred 2 cups cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking ingredients that sometimes affect how smoothly it melts.
Let it rest
Give the casserole 5–10 minutes to rest before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes the casserole easier to scoop.
Easy Variations
Add vegetables
For extra color and flavor, stir in 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables before baking.
Frozen peas, carrots, and corn all work particularly well in this casserole.
Try different cheese
Replace some or all of the 2 cups cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or Pepper Jack.
Add mushrooms
For a richer mushroom flavor, sauté 8 ounces sliced mushrooms with the 1½ pounds ground beef and 1 small diced onion.
Make it spicy
Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or 1 diced jalapeño to the ground beef mixture.
Use ground turkey
You can replace the 1½ pounds ground beef with 1½ pounds ground turkey for a lighter variation.
What to Serve With Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Because this casserole is already hearty and filling, simple side dishes work best.
Try serving it with:
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Roasted vegetables
- Garden salad
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Simple cucumber salad
A crisp green salad is especially nice alongside the creamy, cheesy casserole.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can assemble the casserole ahead of time for an even easier dinner.
Prepare the beef mixture and combine it with the 1½ cups uncooked rice, creamy sauce, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Transfer everything to the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to bake, allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Because the ingredients will be cold, you may need to add extra baking time.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat larger portions covered in a 350°F oven until hot.
If the rice becomes dry after refrigeration, add a splash of beef broth before reheating.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes. This casserole freezes well.
Allow the cooked casserole to cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a little beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?
Yes, but the recipe needs to be adjusted because cooked rice does not require the same amount of liquid or cooking time. If using cooked rice, reduce the beef broth substantially and bake only long enough to heat the casserole and melt the cheese.
Why is my rice still hard?
The rice needs enough moisture and steam to cook. Make sure the casserole is tightly covered with foil during the first part of baking. If necessary, add a little extra beef broth and continue baking covered until the rice is tender.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice generally requires more liquid and a longer cooking time than white rice. Follow the cooking requirements of the specific brown rice you’re using and adjust the casserole accordingly.
What is the best cheese for this casserole?
Cheddar is the classic choice because it provides a rich, savory flavor and melts beautifully. Monterey Jack and Colby Jack are also excellent options.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is everything you want in a comforting family dinner: creamy, cheesy, hearty, affordable, and easy to make.
With 1½ pounds of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, a rich creamy sauce, and 2 cups of melted cheddar cheese, every serving is packed with satisfying flavor. It’s an excellent choice when you need an easy weeknight dinner recipe that can feed the whole family without complicated preparation.
Make it ahead, add your favorite vegetables, or switch up the cheese to create your own version. Once you try this cozy beef and rice casserole, it may quickly become a regular on your dinner table.
