There’s something unbelievably satisfying about a cozy, melty casserole that wraps you in warmth — that’s exactly what this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe brings to the table. It’s a perfect blend of hearty beef, creamy sauce, and ooey-gooey cheese that feels like a hug on a plate.

A white bowl filled with a one-layer dish made of cooked white rice mixed evenly with browned ground meat, topped with melted yellow cheese patches and sprinkled with fresh chopped green herbs. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a beige napkin at the side and two golden spoons placed in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I fell for this casserole the very first time I made it because it hits all the right notes without any fuss. It’s a family favorite that feels special yet is so easy to pull together on a busy night.

Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand, which means less stress and fewer grocery runs.
One-dish wonder: No juggling pots and pans; you get protein, carb, and cheese all in one lovely casserole.
Kid-approved: My picky eaters actually ask for seconds, which says a lot!
Comfort food classic: It’s hearty, creamy, and cheesy, making it perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here pulls its weight in building rich flavors and a satisfying texture. The combo of beef, creamy soup base, rice, and sharp cheddar creates something simple yet seriously delicious.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh raw lean ground beef, a small diced white onion, two peeled garlic cloves, a small heap of cooked fluffy white rice, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy mushroom soup, a small white ceramic bowl filled with milk, a small white ceramic bowl of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing vibrant red paprika powder, a few pinches of coarse salt and whole black peppercorns arranged neatly, and a few sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley placed symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean ground beef: Provides robust flavor and protein without being too greasy when drained well.
Diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base when sautéed with the beef.
Minced garlic: Just a touch for that warm, savory kick; don’t overdo it or it’ll overpower.
Cooked white rice: The starchy base that soaks up all the creamy goodness perfectly.
Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken): Acts as the binding sauce—rich, smooth, and packed with flavor.
Milk or beef broth: Thins the soup slightly, so the casserole isn’t too dense or dry.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Half mixed inside for that melty goodness, and half on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
Paprika: A touch of smoky warmth that brightens all the flavors without overpowering.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish perfectly.
Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness when serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is how forgiving it is. I love switching up the cheese depending on what I have, and feel free to sneak in your favorite veggies or spices for a personal twist.

Variation: I sometimes swap out the cheddar for pepper jack for a little spicy kick—my family loves the extra zing!
Vegetable boost: Adding frozen peas or corn during the mixing step gives it a sweet pop of color and nutrition.
Healthier version: Use brown rice and leaner ground turkey to lighten it up without losing flavor.
For extra flavor: Toss in a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce when browning the beef—it adds amazing depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

A close-up image shows a white bowl filled with a dish made of cooked white rice mixed with small pieces of brown cooked ground meat evenly spread throughout. The top layer has melted golden-yellow cheese melted over the rice and meat, with small bits of bright green chopped herbs scattered as garnish. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with a blurred light gray cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the beef and soften the onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the lean ground beef with diced onion. Stir frequently and break the beef into crumbles as it cooks. You want the meat browned evenly and the onions translucent and soft. Make sure to drain any excess fat afterward—this helps keep the casserole from getting greasy and enhances the flavor.

Step 2: Add the garlic for that fragrant boost

Once your beef and onion are ready, stir in the minced garlic, cooking just 30 seconds until you can smell that garlicky goodness. Don’t let it burn or cook too long here—it cooks very quickly and can become bitter if overdone.

Step 3: Whisk together the creamy sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken), milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk it until smooth and ready to blend into the casserole. This sauce is what keeps everything tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Mix rice, beef, cheese, and sauce in your dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Then, combine cooked rice, the beef and onion mixture, half the shredded cheddar, and the soup-based sauce all in the baking dish. Stir it gently but thoroughly so every bite gets some cheesy, beefy goodness.

Step 5: Top with cheese and bake

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, letting the cheese bubble and turn beautifully golden brown.

Step 6: Optional broil for that golden crust

If you’re like me and can’t resist a crispy cheese crust, switch your oven to broil and let it go for about 2 minutes. Watch closely! It can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.

Step 7: Garnish and serve hot

Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like, for a fresh, pretty touch, and get ready to dig in while it’s hot and melty.

Top Tip

After making this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep it tasting fresh and moist every time. These tips have saved me from drying it out or ending up with a bland dish.

Drain the fat thoroughly: Leaving too much grease from the beef can make the casserole heavy and greasy, so drain well after browning.
Use warm cooked rice: Cold, leftover rice can make the dish clump or dry unevenly; using rice that’s just warm results in a creamier mix.
Don’t overmix: Stir ingredients gently when combining so the rice grains stay separate; it helps the casserole hold texture and not turn mushy.
Cover then uncover: The foil cover during baking traps steam to keep it moist, but removing it for the last 10 minutes lets the cheese turn golden and bubbly just right.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually toss on chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color and a slight herbal note. Sometimes a tiny drizzle of hot sauce on my serving plate adds a fun kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy cheese.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I love pairing this casserole with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli. For extra comfort, buttery garlic bread is a no-brainer and gets gobbled up every time.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I baked this casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party—each guest got their own cheesy portion, which looked fancy but was super easy. It’s a fun presentation that's perfect for making a casual meal feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheated, the casserole keeps its creamy texture well if you add a splash of milk or broth before warming.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully—I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating so it warms evenly without getting soggy.

Reheating

When reheating, I pop the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually around 20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven brings back the crispy top best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?

Yes! Brown rice works well and adds extra fiber, but since it takes longer to cook, make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing into the casserole to avoid a crunchy texture.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just be sure to use a gluten-free cream of mushroom or chicken soup. Many brands offer gluten-free options, or you can make a simple homemade sauce using broth and cornstarch as a thickener.

How do I keep the casserole from being too watery?

Draining the cooked ground beef very well and not adding too much liquid in the sauce helps maintain the right consistency. Also, avoid overmixing the casserole mixture as it can release more moisture. Baking covered then uncovered helps evaporate any excess moisture.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to compensate for the cold ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe has become a true favorite in my kitchen because it’s such a dependable, tasty meal that everyone enjoys. I love how approachable it is to make, plus you can customize it countless ways. Trust me, once you try this, you'll have a new go-to comfort dish you’ll want to make over and over. Give it a shot—you won’t regret that melty, cheesy goodness!