There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling fresh from the oven, and this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe hits all the cozy comfort notes I crave. It’s one of those all-in-one-dish meals that’s both simple and seriously delicious — and you'll love how it comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients.

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’ve made this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress — from weeknight dinners to casual gatherings. What makes it special is how the simple ingredients come together to create a rich, comforting dish that tastes way more complicated than it really is.

Easy to prepare: Minimal chopping and one skillet for browning makes cleanup a breeze.
Versatile flavors: You can swap out mushrooms or broth to suit what you have on hand.
Kid-friendly: The cheesy goodness and familiar ingredients typically get rave reviews from picky eaters.
Hearty and filling: It’s packed with protein and carbs, perfect for busy days when you need a serious meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is all about balance — the savory beef, creamy soup, and melty cheddar cheese combined with fluffy rice make it just right. When you shop for these ingredients, lean towards fresh and quality basics to really let the flavors shine.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl with diced yellow onion, a small white ceramic bowl holding peeled garlic cloves, a simple white ceramic dish filled with fluffy cooked white rice, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy mushroom soup, a small white ceramic bowl containing milk, a neat pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red paprika powder, and a small bunch of fresh green parsley leaves placed symmetrically around, 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

Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef keeps the casserole from getting greasy while still packing in flavor and protein.
Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brightens the savory base and wakes up the whole dish.
Cooked White Rice: Rice acts as the comforting, starchy backbone—make sure it's freshly cooked and fluffy for best texture.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and umami; you can swap in cream of chicken soup if preferred.
Milk or Beef Broth: I like using milk for richness, but broth makes it lighter and adds savory notes.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts nicely and brings that irresistible cheesy flavor everyone loves.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t be shy with the salt, especially since cheese and soup carry some saltiness too.
Chopped Parsley (Optional): A fresh garnish to brighten the casserole and add color.

📝

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 casserole is how easy it is to tweak for your personal taste or whatever you have sitting in the fridge. Play around with the cheese or swap veggies — you’ll find your own perfect version before long.

Cheese Variations: I sometimes substitute half the cheddar with Monterey Jack or a pepper jack for a little kick—it adds a fun twist without overwhelming the dish.
Veggie Boost: For a few extra nutrients and texture, try mixing in frozen peas or diced bell peppers with the beef.
Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free cream soup alternative and a plant-based cheese to make this recipe friendly for those avoiding dairy.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños if you want to bring heat.

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

A white bowl filled with a layered dish of rice and ground meat; the first layer is soft white rice mixed with browned ground meat, topped with melted yellow cheese scattered unevenly, and finished with small chopped green herbs sprinkled on top. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl near the edge. The background features a white marbled surface and a blurred light cloth in the back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onions Until Perfectly Browned

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your lean ground beef along with diced onions. I like to break the beef up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, so it browns evenly and breaks into nice small crumbles. When the beef is fully browned and the onions turn translucent and soft—this usually takes about 7-8 minutes—drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.

Step 2: Stir in Garlic for a Flavor Boost

After draining, toss in the minced garlic. Garlic cooks quickly, so stir it only for about 30 seconds until fragrant—you’ll notice that wonderful aroma fill your kitchen. This small step makes a big flavor difference.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or broth if you opt for it), paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. This sauce is going to tie every ingredient together with creaminess and a subtle smoky warmth from the paprika.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble Your Casserole

Now, in your greased 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef and onion mixture, half of your shredded cheddar, and the sauce. Stir it gently until everything is evenly mixed—you want every bite to have a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Top With Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover your dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Optional Finish for Crispy Cheese

If you like a crispy, golden cheese crust like I do, pop the casserole under the broiler for 2 minutes—just watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn. This extra step gives an irresistibly delicious finish.

Top Tip

From my many rounds of making this casserole, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help it shine every time. Whether you’re making this for dinner or meal prepping, these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls.

Don’t Skip Draining the Beef: Leaving excess fat in will make the casserole greasy, so always drain well before adding garlic.
Use Freshly Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works too, but freshly cooked rice stays fluffy and prevents the casserole from turning mushy.
Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to firm up and make serving easier.
Perfect the Cheese Layer: For extra gooeyness, mix a little of the cheese into the sauce mixture, not just on top.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

cheesy ground beef and rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh parsley sprinkled on top—it adds a pop of color and a little bright earthiness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I grate a little extra sharp cheddar right before serving for an oozy finish or a few red pepper flakes to bring subtle heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole is filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to add freshness and crunch. Steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber and tomato salad keep things light and balance the cheesy richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or potlucks, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins—everyone loves having their own cheesy mini casserole. It looks fancy but is so easy! Another fun presentation is layering the casserole with sliced tomatoes on top before baking for a colorful, fresh twist on the classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I usually add a splash of milk and cover the dish with foil to retain moisture and prevent the cheese from drying out.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well, making it a perfect meal prep candidate. Just bake it up to the point before adding the top cheese layer, freeze in a covered dish or freezer-safe container, then when ready, thaw overnight and bake with the cheese topping until bubbly.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to keep the cheese melty and the casserole’s texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, though it takes longer to cook. Use fully cooked brown rice for best results and be aware that the casserole may be a bit denser.

What’s the best way to avoid a watery casserole?

Draining the cooked ground beef well and not skipping the step to cover the casserole with foil during baking helps maintain the right moisture balance. Also, using freshly cooked rice—not overly wet or mushy rice—prevents excess liquid.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the ground beef for cooked lentils or a plant-based crumble. Use vegetable broth and a vegetarian cream soup option. You might want to add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to boost flavor and texture.

How long does this casserole keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, leftovers last for about 3 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freezing is your best option. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s easy, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. It’s that kind of meal that makes you feel wrapped up in a warm hug, which is exactly what food should do. I hope you’ll love making and sharing it as much as I do — it’s perfect for busy nights or anytime you want simple, satisfying comfort food.