If you’re craving comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a satisfying, all-in-one dish featuring tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a luscious blend of creamy mushroom soup and melted cheddar cheese. Every bite delivers a perfect mix of hearty flavors, subtle herbs, and that irresistible cheesy goodness, making it a perfect weeknight dinner to warm up any evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients ensures a delicious balance of flavor, texture, and color in your casserole. Each component plays a vital role from the savory richness of the beef to the creamy texture of the soup and the vibrant pops from peas and carrots.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein that adds hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef evenly without sticking and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the meat base when sautéed.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a touch of zest.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked): Absorbs flavors perfectly while providing a delicate, fluffy texture.
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium): Adds moisture and savory richness, making the rice tender and flavorful.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Gives the casserole a creamy base and umami punch.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots: For color, subtle sweetness, and a bit of fresh crunch.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): The cheesy anchor that melts into every bite for gooey, comforting goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds subtle tang and depth enhancing the beef’s rich flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Provides a gentle herbal note that complements the meat and cheese.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough spice to wake up the taste buds.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook it thoroughly until it’s nicely browned and broken up into small pieces. Draining excess fat at this point ensures your casserole won’t be greasy. Then, add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes until they become fragrant and softened—this foundation builds incredible depth in the dish.
Step 2: Combine Rice and Creamy Ingredients
Next, stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so the rice is evenly coated and submerged in the flavorful liquid base. This step is crucial because it allows the rice to absorb all those savory notes as it bakes.
Step 3: Fold in Veggies and Cheese
Now, gently fold in the frozen peas and carrots alongside 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. These add both color and bursts of freshness, while the cheese starts to meld into the creamy sauce, creating that signature melty, cheesy layer we all love.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Transfer your mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to cook through perfectly and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Bake Uncovered
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for an extra 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a golden crust. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to settle into its creamy, cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes takes this casserole from comforting to downright delightful. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. For a tangy twist, a few dashes of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream really complement the creamy texture.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans creates a balanced and satisfying meal. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make perfect side accompaniments to scoop up any leftover cheesy goodness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or make it a special family dinner, serve the casserole in colorful individual ramekins or cast iron skillets for personalized portions. Layer some extra cheese on top and broil briefly for a bubbly golden crust. A sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs adds an irresistible crunch to each serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as tasty. Simply reheat on the stove or in the oven until warm throughout.
Freezing
This casserole freezes very well, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, usually about 20-25 minutes. If reheating individual portions in the microwave, cover loosely to retain moisture and heat in 1-2 minute increments until hot.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Just remember to increase the baking time by 15 to 20 minutes and add a little extra broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
You can swap out the cheddar cheese for dairy-free alternatives and substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade dairy-free version or use coconut milk-based cream soups to keep it creamy without dairy.
What can I do to make the dish lighter?
Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for low-fat cheese and reduced-sodium broth to reduce calories and fat while keeping the satisfying flavors intact.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, or even spinach work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be mindful of moisture content to avoid a soggy casserole.
How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?
The rice should be tender after baking covered for 45 minutes. If it seems undercooked, simply bake it a little longer and add a splash more broth if needed until soft.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is a warm, homey dish that brings together comfort and ease in every bite. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser perfect for any day of the week, combining familiar ingredients into something truly special. Trust me, once you make this casserole, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals to share with family and friends.
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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It combines savory ground beef, tender rice, mixed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection, resulting in a creamy, flavorful casserole that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly combine all the ingredients.
- Add Vegetables and Cheese: Fold in the frozen peas and carrots along with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly inside. Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake covered for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Top with Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for a healthier option; however, increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes and add extra broth if needed to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
- For a lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Enhance the flavor by adding a dash of hot sauce or some diced green chilies for a bit of heat.
