Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic!
Warm, cheesy, and hearty—this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a delicious, no-fuss dinner your whole family will love. Packed with savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, fluffy rice, and plenty of melty cheddar cheese, this dish is the definition of comfort in a casserole dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner!
Ingredients:
1 ½ pounds ground beef
2 cups cooked white rice
1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
2️⃣ Mix the Sauce Base:
In a large bowl, stir together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until well combined.
3️⃣ Combine All Ingredients:
Add the cooked rice, cooked ground beef, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the soup mixture. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
4️⃣ Transfer to Baking Dish:
Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5️⃣ Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
Let it cool slightly before serving. Pair it with a side salad, green beans, or your favorite veggie for a full meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole:
Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it until ready to bake—just add 5 extra minutes to baking time.
Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some vegetables? Stir in frozen peas, corn, or sautéed mushrooms with the rice mixture.
Use Leftover Rice: This dish is perfect for using up leftover rice—just make sure it’s not too cold when mixing.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole:
Total Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty enough to fill everyone up.
One-Dish Meal: Fewer dishes, less mess, and so easy to prep and bake!
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will be going back for seconds.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.):
Calories: 430
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 1g
FAQ About Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole:
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice adds more fiber and texture—it works great in this recipe.
Can I use a different kind of soup?
Absolutely. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are tasty alternatives.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Common Problems and Fixes:
Too dry?
Add a splash of milk or extra soup if the mixture seems dry before baking. Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes to trap moisture.
Rice too mushy?
Use freshly cooked or day-old rice that isn’t overly soft. Avoid overmixing when combining.
Flavor Variations You Can Try:
Taco Style: Add taco seasoning to the beef and mix in a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Italian Twist: Use Italian seasoning, swap the mushroom soup for cream of tomato, and top with mozzarella.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeños to the mixture for a little heat.
Perfect for Every Occasion:
From casual weeknight dinners to cozy potluck gatherings, this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is always a hit. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation—easy to make, budget-friendly, and totally satisfying.
Success with Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole:
This casserole is all about big flavor with simple ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, it’s the comfort food dish you’ll turn to again and again.
Tried it? Share your photos and tag your cheesy masterpiece!