Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

 

🧀 Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: The Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Meal

When life gets busy and bellies are rumbling, nothing beats the ease and comfort of a hearty casserole. Enter: the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole—a satisfying, family-approved dish that brings together simple ingredients and big flavors, all in one cozy baking dish.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. It’s creamy, savory, and loaded with melted cheese—everything you want in a casserole. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to stretch pantry staples like ground beef, rice, and canned soup into a full, comforting meal.

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🍲 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.

• Customizable: Add veggies, swap proteins, or play with seasonings.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.

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🛒 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup uncooked white rice (not instant)

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

• 2 cups beef broth or water

• 1 cup milk

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Mix It All Together

In a large bowl (or directly in the baking dish), combine:

• Cooked beef mixture

• Uncooked rice

• Cream of mushroom soup

• Beef broth

• Milk

• 1 cup of shredded cheese

• Paprika, pepper, and salt

• Frozen vegetables (if using)

Stir until well combined.

4. Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

5. Add More Cheese

Remove foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top, and return to oven uncovered. Bake another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• Switch the Soup: Try cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cheddar cheese soup.

• Change the Protein: Ground turkey or sausage work great here.

• Add Heat: Stir in diced green chiles or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

• Low-Carb Option: Use riced cauliflower in place of rice (adjust liquid and baking time).

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🧊 Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Casserole freezes well before or after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Microwave or reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

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🥄 Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is everything a comfort food classic should be—rich, cheesy, satisfying, and easy to throw together with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or just craving a nostalgic, no-fuss dinner, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Serve it with a simple side salad, steamed veggies, or just a big spoon and a cozy blanket. Either way, it's going to be a winner.