There’s something so cozy about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling fresh from the oven. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe has been one of my go-to weeknight meals because it’s simple, comforting, and hits all the right savory notes that make you feel instantly satisfied.

A white bowl filled with a three-layer dish: at the bottom is cooked white rice, mixed evenly with browned ground meat creating a brown and beige texture; on top, melted golden-yellow cheese is spread in patches, slightly soft and shiny; the final layer is fresh, bright green chopped parsley sprinkled all over, adding a fresh touch. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a light brown cloth next to it, and golden cutlery nearby, while a woman's hand holds the bowl from the side. 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

I can’t tell you how many times this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe has saved dinnertime in my house—it’s just that easy and crowd-pleasing. Plus, it’s one of those recipes you can tweak depending on what you have in your fridge, making it a total kitchen hero.

Comfort in a dish: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, it’s like a warm hug on a plate after a busy day.
Simple ingredients: You probably have everything you need right in your pantry and fridge already.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love casseroles like this one because of the cheesy goodness and familiar flavors.
Easy leftovers: It reheats so well, perfect for lunch the next day or quick dinners during the week.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe lies in its perfect balance of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly satisfying. Each part has a role—from the savory beef to the melty cheese and creamy sauce that bind everything so nicely.

Flat lay of lean ground beef, a small diced yellow onion, two whole garlic cloves, a simple white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice, a small white bowl filled with creamy mushroom soup, a small white bowl of milk, a small white bowl of bright shredded cheddar cheese, a small white bowl containing paprika powder, a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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: Look for 90% lean or higher to keep the casserole tasty but not greasy.
Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth—make sure it’s nice and soft before mixing.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves give a gentle punch of flavor without overpowering.
Cooked white rice: I prefer day-old rice since it holds up better in casseroles, but freshly cooked works too.
Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken): This is the secret creamy binder that keeps everything luscious.
Milk or beef broth: Thin out the soup a touch for the perfect sauce consistency.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild depending on what you like—the melty topping is heavenly!
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that makes this casserole extra cozy.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning everything just right.
Optional chopped parsley: It brightens up the finish and adds a pop of color.

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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 thing I love about this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or toss in some veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms depending on what’s in my fridge.

Vegetable boost: I tossed in chopped spinach or frozen peas once, and it was deliciously fresh—just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from veggies to avoid sogginess.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños turned this into a fun, slightly spicy casserole that my family raved about.
Cheese choices: Try mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack with the cheddar for a different melt and flavor profile.
Make it dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cream soup and vegan cheese to adapt it to special diets easily.

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

A white bowl filled with a mixture of cooked white rice and browned ground beef, topped with melted bright yellow cheese scattered unevenly over the top, and sprinkled with small pieces of fresh green herbs, all sitting on a wooden surface with a soft light gray cloth blurred in the background, a silver spoon resting inside the bowl on the right side, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Browning the Beef and Soften the Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your lean ground beef and diced onion. I like to stir frequently, breaking the beef into crumbles as it browns. Once the beef loses its pink color and the onion turns soft and translucent, it’s ready. Drain any excess fat—this keeps the casserole from getting greasy.

Step 2: Adding Garlic for Aromatic Depth

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds or until you can smell its wonderful fragrance. Garlic burns fast, so keep an eye on it and don’t let it brown or it’ll turn bitter.

Step 3: Preparing the Creamy Sauce

While your beef is cooking, whisk together your cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. This sauce is what brings everything together in that classic creamy casserole style.

Step 4: Combining All the Ingredients

In a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish, mix your cooked rice, the browned beef mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the creamy sauce. Give everything a gentle but thorough stir to combine—this step is important so every bite has that perfect balance of flavors.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!

Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top, cover the dish with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and lightly brown. For an extra golden, crispy top, I sometimes broil it for 2 minutes—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!

Top Tip

I’ve made this casserole dozens of times and learned a few tricks along the way that really take it from good to unforgettable. These tips will save you time and keep the flavors spot on every time you make it.

Use day-old rice: It prevents the casserole from becoming mushy and helps maintain a nice texture after baking.
Drain the beef fat well: This keeps the casserole light and stops the cheese from becoming greasy on top.
Don’t skip the foil cover: It ensures the dish steams gently during the first baking phase, making everything tender.
Broil with care: If you want a crispy cheese topping, broil for no more than 2 minutes and keep your eyes peeled to avoid burning.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always like to sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top right before serving—it adds a lovely touch of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens up the rich casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want extras, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans balance the cheesiness nicely. Roasted vegetables also complement the flavors really well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins so everyone gets a perfectly portioned cheesy serving. It’s a fun twist that feels a bit special and less like a plain ol’ casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually meld more overnight, making for a tastier next day meal.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Just pop it in a freezer-safe container before baking or freeze the leftover portions. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through to keep the cheese from drying out. You can also microwave portions for a quicker meal, but the oven method keeps the texture spot on.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Brown rice works well if you prefer a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing to avoid a crunchy texture after baking.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or even a homemade béchamel sauce can be delicious substitutes. Just keep the consistency creamy to bind the casserole well.

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes! You can assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled when going in the oven.

How do I avoid the casserole becoming watery?

Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef after browning and use day-old rice to reduce moisture. Also, avoid adding too many watery vegetables unless you squeeze out excess liquid beforehand. Covering with foil during baking helps steam but prevents drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s reliable, delicious, and such a crowd-pleaser every single time. I’ve shared it with friends and family who keep coming back for seconds. Give it a try—you’ll see just how quickly it becomes a favorite in your own kitchen, too.