There’s something instantly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling fresh out of the oven. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes—creamy, savory, and just the right amount of cheesy goodness, making it one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.

A white bowl filled with a layered dish of cooked rice mixed with small pieces of brown cooked beef, topped with melted bright orange cheese and sprinkled with fresh chopped green herbs. The rice and beef form the base layer with the cheese slightly melted and spread unevenly on top, creating patches of shiny yellow-orange, while the fresh herbs provide a bright green contrast scattered on the surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth beside it and two gold 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

I remember the first time I made this casserole—it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something quick, easy, but satisfying. This recipe delivered on all fronts! It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate but comes together faster than you’d expect.

Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples that you probably have on hand already — no need for fancy shopping runs.
One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks together in one casserole, which means less cleanup. Always a win in my book!
Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, cheesy texture combined with ground beef and rice satisfies even picky eaters in my family.
Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak the soup base, add veggies, or swap cheeses to suit your mood and pantry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is comfort food at its finest because each ingredient plays a key role. The combination of beef, rice, cheese, and creamy soup creates layers of flavor and textures that feel indulgent but come together easily.

Flat lay of fresh lean ground beef patty, a small white onion whole and unpeeled, two cloves of garlic with papery skin, a small white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth cream of mushroom soup, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, a small white ceramic bowl with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of paprika powder, a few sprigs of fresh green parsley, sea salt crystals and whole black peppercorns scattered artistically, 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 the hearty protein base without being too greasy—lean helps keep the casserole balanced.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when browned with the beef.
Garlic: Just a little kick of savory aroma—don’t skip it!
Cooked white rice: Absorbs flavors and adds comforting carbs—day-old rice works perfect here.
Cream of mushroom soup: Acts as the creamy binder, making every bite rich and delicious. You can swap for cream of chicken if you prefer a lighter taste.
Milk or beef broth: Adds moisture to the casserole without thinning out the sauce.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and gooey, it melts beautifully to create that irresistible cheesy crust.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color.
Salt and pepper: Essential to season everything just right.
Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and mild flavor to brighten the finished dish.

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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 things I love most about this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often switch it up depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood for the day. Plus, it caters nicely to different taste preferences.

Variation: I sometimes add a handful of frozen peas or corn halfway through cooking for a bit of color and sweetness — it adds a fresh contrast to the cheesy richness.
Soup Swaps: Cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce works beautifully if you want to skip canned soups.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder, stringy texture.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes if you’re craving a little heat.

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

A white bowl full of cooked rice mixed with small brown pieces of meat, topped with melted orange-yellow cheese and scattered green parsley leaves. The dish looks warm and creamy with the cheese blending into the rice and meat. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred pale cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Browning the Beef and Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Throw in the lean ground beef and diced onion, stirring occasionally until the beef is thoroughly browned, and the onions turn soft and translucent. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. This step builds the savory foundation of your casserole, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Adding Garlic and Preparing the Sauce

Once your beef and onions are ready, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until you can really smell the garlic aroma—it shouldn’t brown or burn. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, your choice of milk or beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. This creamy sauce will meld all the flavors together and keep everything moist as it bakes.

Step 3: Mixing and Assembling the Casserole

In your lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked rice, the beef mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the prepared sauce. Stir everything well to ensure every grain of rice is coated in that flavorful sauce. This is your comfort layer before the cheese topping!

Step 4: Baking to Cheesy Perfection

Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent the top from drying out, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden around the edges. If you want a crispy, browned cheese crust, pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes—but watch it closely! That quick broil step always makes the casserole feel extra special.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've learned a few tricks that take this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe from good to unforgettable, especially when cooking for family dinners.

Don’t Skip Draining Fat: After browning the beef, draining fat prevents the casserole from becoming greasy and keeps the flavors bright.
Use Day-Old Rice: Leftover or day-old rice makes the casserole less mushy because it’s drier and holds up better to baking.
Mix Sauce Thoroughly: Make sure your cream of mushroom soup mixture is well blended and evenly coats the rice and beef for consistent flavor throughout.
Broil Carefully: When broiling for a golden crust, keep the oven door slightly open and watch it very closely to avoid burning the cheese topping.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving. It adds a fresh pop of color and a gentle herby brightness that cuts through the cheesy richness nicely. Sometimes I experiment with thinly sliced green onions or a dash of smoked paprika for extra flair.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with lighter sides like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with a bit of lemon zest. Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots also balance the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes spoon this casserole into individual ramekins for an elegant touch. You can even sprinkle some extra fresh herbs and a few sliced cherry tomatoes on top to brighten the plate. It feels like comfort food turned festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I usually add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the casserole, then microwave gently or reheat in the oven until warmed through and bubbly again.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this casserole a couple of times. Just cool completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it still tastes great—cheesy, comforting, and delicious.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I prefer reheating in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to retain moisture. About 15-20 minutes is usually enough, depending on the amount. For a quick fix, the microwave works well too—just add a splash of liquid and cover loosely for even reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use a gluten-free cream of mushroom or chicken soup and double-check any broth or seasonings you use. The rest of the ingredients like rice, beef, and cheese are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely. Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook. Be sure to use fully cooked rice before assembling the casserole, or the texture might be off.

What’s the best way to get a crispy cheese topping?

After baking covered, remove the foil, then switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Keep the oven door slightly open and watch carefully to avoid burning. This quick broil creates a beautifully browned, crispy cheese crust.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Frozen peas, corn, chopped bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms can be folded in with the rice and beef mixture. Adding veggies is a great way to boost nutrition and add texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe has become one of those heartwarming go-tos for me, especially when I want a fuss-free yet satisfying meal. It’s just the kind of dish you can pull together quickly but still impress your family or guests. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm welcome every time.