If there’s one meal that never fails to warm up my Asheville kitchen, it’s a big, bubbly Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole. It’s the kind of dinner that makes the whole house smell like comfort — creamy, cheesy, savory, and satisfying in a way that brings everyone to the table fast. Growing up, dishes like this were the heart of my grandma’s kitchen, and I still feel that same homey joy every time I bake it.
This casserole is simple, hearty, and exactly what busy nights call for. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, prepping ahead for the week, or just craving something cozy after a long day, this recipe is the kind of hug-in-a-pan you’ll come back to again and again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
1. It’s creamy, cheesy, and deeply comforting. The kind of meal that makes cold evenings feel a little warmer.
2. One-pan convenience. Everything comes together in the same skillet before baking — fewer dishes, more joy.
3. Budget-friendly ingredients. Ground beef, rice, cheese, and pantry staples come together in the most magical way.
4. Family-approved. Even picky eaters love this one.
5. Meal-prep gold. Stores beautifully and reheats like a dream.
This casserole isn’t fancy — but that’s the beauty of it. It’s honest, satisfying comfort food at its best.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and prep. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Brown the beef. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then add ground beef. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add aromatics. Stir in diced onion and garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Season and layer flavor. Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add rice and broth. Stir in uncooked rice and beef broth. Mix well.
- Make it creamy. Add cream of mushroom soup and combine.
- Transfer to baking dish. Spread mixture evenly.
- Add cheese. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella on top.
- Bake. Cover with foil and bake 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–12 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve. Let rest 5 minutes, then scoop and enjoy.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a few simple sides can turn it into a full dinner spread. I love pairing it with something fresh to complement the rich, cheesy flavor. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, crisp roasted carrots, or steamed broccoli works beautifully. The casserole is creamy and savory, so that pop of freshness helps balance the plate.
If you’re serving this at a potluck or family gathering, garnish the top with fresh parsley or chives for a little color. It makes the whole dish look bright and inviting. Another great serving option is to scoop it into warm bowls — the cheese stays melty and the rice stays tender.
For kids, serve it with fruit on the side — sliced apples or grapes pair surprisingly well and help lighten the meal.
Want similar cozy casserole inspiration? Discover great ideas like our ground beef casserole with green beans — perfect for family-friendly comfort food nights.
How to Store Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
This casserole stores beautifully, which makes it a dream for meal prepping. Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Transfer into airtight containers or cover your baking dish tightly. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals or bake at 300°F until heated through. If the rice thickens after chilling, simply stir in a splash of broth before reheating.
Freezing is another great option. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat the same way — adding a splash of broth if needed.
For more cozy beef-and-rice style meals, don’t miss our hobo casserole ground beef recipe. It’s another comforting classic.
Tips to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
- Use quality cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than bagged.
- Season generously. Rice absorbs flavor, so season the beef well.
- Don’t skip the foil. It traps steam and cooks the rice perfectly.
- Add veggies. Bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms add texture and nutrition.
- Make it spicy. Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese.
- Swap proteins. Ground turkey or chicken work just as well.
- Want extra creaminess? Add 1/2 cup sour cream before baking.
Looking for another cheesy, hearty dish? Check out our cheesy ground beef potato casserole — another comfort classic.
Variations of Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
- Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and top with pepper jack.
- Italian Style: Add marinara sauce, Italian herbs, and mozzarella.
- Veggie-Packed: Add spinach, mushrooms, peas, or zucchini.
- Creamier Version: Mix in cream cheese or sour cream.
- Crispy Topping: Add crushed Ritz crackers or fried onions.
- BBQ Beef & Rice: Add BBQ sauce and smoked paprika.
Each version keeps the soul of the casserole intact but lets you create endless variations.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes — but increase bake time by 20–25 minutes.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
3. Can I use leftover rice?
Yes — reduce broth to 1 cup and baking time to 20 minutes.
4. What cheese works best?
Cheddar and mozzarella melt beautifully, but Colby Jack and Monterey Jack are great too.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together — warm, homey, simple, and deeply satisfying. It’s a reminder that the best meals aren’t fancy; they’re the ones made with love, a few basic ingredients, and a little time in the oven.
Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or craving a cozy night-in dinner, this casserole is one of those reliable, comforting favorites you’ll come back to again and again.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is warm, creamy, and comforting — the perfect family-style dinner baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add ground beef, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in diced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
4. Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
5. Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup until well combined.
6. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Shred cheese fresh for the best melting and texture.
You can stir in peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
If using cooked leftover rice, reduce beef broth to about 1 cup and shorten the bake time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg