Dinner

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe December 3, 2025December 3, 2025

Introduction

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, it brings warmth and flavor to your table with minimal effort.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a single-layer dish of cooked white rice mixed with small ground beef pieces, topped with melted yellow cheddar cheese that is slightly gooey and scattered evenly, garnished with small green parsley leaves. The texture shows fluffy rice grains combined with crumbly meat bits and softened cheese. A silver fork is partially visible on the right side inside the bowl, which sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1/2 cup milk or beef broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Assemble: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, half the shredded cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine.
Step 6: Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 7: Finish baking: Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
Step 9: Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, substitute half the milk with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Try adding vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use leftover cooked rice for convenience and to save time.
Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheese profile.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To prevent drying, cover with foil when reheating in the oven.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a dish that has three main layers: a base of cooked white rice mixed with small pieces of browned ground beef, a middle layer of melted yellow cheddar cheese evenly spread over the rice and beef, and a topping of small green parsley leaves scattered across the surface. The dish has a warm, creamy texture with bits of meat and the cheese melting into the rice. A silver spoon rests partially inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze the casserole?

This dish freezes well. Cool completely, then wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.