Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is an ultimate comfort dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or a family. This one-pan meal combines the richness of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a deliciously melted layer of cheese on top, making it a favorite for busy weeknights. The best part? It’s customizable, easy to prepare, and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep. If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying dish, this casserole will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling – This casserole combines protein-rich ground beef, wholesome rice, and gooey cheese, ensuring it satisfies your hunger.
- Easy Cleanup – With just one pan required for both cooking and baking, you’ll spend less time cleaning up after dinner.
- Creamy and Cheesy – A cheesy topping adds richness to the dish, creating the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – The casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for preparing meals ahead of time.
- Versatile – Whether you prefer different types of cheese, veggies, or protein, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (lean)
- Onion, finely diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Uncooked white or brown rice
- Beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes (optional)
- Worcestershire sauce (for a savory depth of flavor)
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper (for seasoning)
- Paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for the classic cheesy finish)
- Olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- Optional: Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for added creaminess
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure the casserole cooks evenly, and the cheese topping melts perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter, then crumble in the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the beef is browned, add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook the mixture for 3–5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, allowing the garlic to release its aroma. This step is crucial as it forms the flavor base of the casserole.
Step 4: Add Rice and Liquid Ingredients
Next, stir in the uncooked rice along with the beef broth and tomato sauce. If you’re using diced tomatoes, now is the time to add them as well. For added depth of flavor, include Worcestershire sauce, a dash of Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix the ingredients thoroughly to combine.
Step 5: Simmer the Mixture
Bring the skillet to a gentle simmer. Cover it with a lid or foil and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb most of the liquid. Keep an eye on it to make sure the rice cooks properly without burning.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
Once the rice is nearly tender, remove the lid or foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you like an extra cheesy touch, you can also add mozzarella or another cheese of your choice. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added kick. Serve hot and enjoy the savory, cheesy goodness!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Make It Spicy – Add a bit of heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the casserole mix. You could also use a spicy cheese like pepper jack for an extra burst of flavor.
- Veggie Boost – To make the dish even heartier and more colorful, stir in some bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, or any of your favorite vegetables before baking.
- Protein Swap – For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken in place of beef.
- Cheese Options – While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack or even a mix of mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Low-Carb Option – Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Just reduce the amount of broth to account for the lack of starch.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so it tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.
- Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe dish. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave it in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 3/4 cups beef broth
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb most of the liquid.
- Once the rice is nearly cooked, remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes! You can substitute pre-cooked rice, but be sure to adjust the amount of broth you use. You may need to reduce the liquid by about 1/2 cup, and you won’t need to simmer the rice as long.
What cheese works best for this casserole?
While cheddar is the most common choice, you can mix in other varieties like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a sharp cheese like Gruyère for a more sophisticated flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a perfect dish for meal prep or a make-ahead dinner.
How can I prevent the casserole from drying out?
To ensure the casserole stays moist while baking, cover it with foil during the first half of the baking time. If you’re concerned about it drying out after refrigerating or freezing, add a splash of broth when reheating.
What sides pair well with this casserole?
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes. For a complete meal, add a fresh vegetable dish to balance the richness of the casserole.
Can I add beans to the casserole?
Yes! You can add black beans, kidney beans, or any other variety to the casserole. They’ll enhance the texture and provide additional protein and fiber.
What’s a good substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used as substitutes. They’ll provide the necessary umami flavor and depth.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! To make the casserole dairy-free, simply use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese topping altogether.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The mild and cheesy flavors make this casserole a big hit with kids. You can even sneak in extra veggies without them noticing.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a classic, satisfying dish that brings comfort to any dinner table. With its hearty blend of seasoned beef, tender rice, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole is both filling and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or meal prep. Try it today and enjoy a warm, comforting dinner that everyone will love!