Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe has been my go-to comfort meal when I need something hearty, cheesy, and downright satisfying without hours in the kitchen. It’s one of those recipes you can throw together on a busy night and still impress everyone at the table.

This image shows a thick slice of baked casserole with two clearly visible layers, lifted by a fork held by a woman's hand. The bottom layer is a brown, crumbly meat mixture with a moist texture. The top layer is creamy, melted cheese with a light golden brown color and small brown spots from baking. The casserole sits in a white rectangular baking dish placed on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth partially visible under the dish. The slice pulled out reveals some melted cheese stretching between the baking dish and fork. 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 still remember the first time I made this casserole—rich, cheesy layers combined with savory ground beef and tender rice—it instantly became a favorite in my house. What really gets me is how versatile it is and how it feels like a hug on a plate after a long day.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples already, so no extra shopping stress.
One-Dish Wonder: Meat, rice, veggies, and cheese all baked together—minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Comfort Food Classic: The creamy mushroom soup and cheesy topping create that perfect cozy vibe.
Customizable: You can sneak in veggies or swap flavors to suit your family’s taste or whatever’s in season.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe balances savory, creamy, and cheesy notes perfectly. Each ingredient plays a role, keeping it hearty but still comforting. Here’s a bit about what makes them shine together and tips to get the most flavor.

Flat lay of fresh raw ground beef in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small mound of Italian seasoning beside it, whole uncracked brown eggs, a few sprigs of black peppercorns, diced fresh onions in a white bowl, minced garlic cloves next to it, small white ceramic bowls filled with golden butter, rich beef broth, creamy milk, thick sour cream, and smooth cream of mushroom soup, uncooked white long grain rice displayed neatly on a white plate, a cluster of shiny washed button mushrooms, shredded bright orange cheddar cheese piled in a white bowl, all ingredients arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, 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: I like using 85% lean for juicy, flavorful beef that still renders some fat for flavor but isn’t greasy.
Italian seasoning: Adds an herby depth without overpowering the beef – perfectly simple and savory.
Onions and garlic: These aromatics build the base flavor and make the whole casserole taste more homemade.
Butter: Used to sauté and enrich the rice mixture, it brings a silky mouthfeel.
Beef broth: Cooking the rice in broth, rather than water, infuses deeper flavor into every bite.
Long grain white rice: I avoid instant rice here because regular rice stays tender and doesn’t get mushy during baking.
Button mushrooms: They soak up flavors beautifully and add a nice texture contrast.
Cream of mushroom soup: This creamy base makes the casserole luscious and ties everything together.
Milk and sour cream: These kick the creaminess up a notch and add a subtle tang that prevents it from tasting too heavy.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar on top melts into a golden crust that makes the whole dish irresistible.

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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

I love tweaking this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m feeding. Trust me, making it your own is part of the fun.

Variation: Swapping mushrooms for frozen peas or diced carrots gives it a pop of color and sweet earthiness my kids actually request now.
Make it lighter: Using ground turkey or swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt keeps the tang without the extra fat.
Dairy-free: Try a dairy-free cheese and coconut milk instead of cream of mushroom soup for allergy-friendly comfort food.
Extra kick: Add a dash of smoked paprika or a bit of chili powder to the ground beef for a smoky twist I sometimes crave.

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

A white plate holds a layered dish with three clear layers: the bottom layer is soft rice mixed with small bits of light brown cooked meat and slices of dark brown mushrooms, the middle layer is a creamy sauce that blends the ingredients together, and the top layer is melted yellow cheese with golden brown spots giving a slightly toasted look. Next to the main dish are bright green beans, neatly placed in a row. A metal fork rests on the edge of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the ground beef with seasoning

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, stirring and breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning right away so the flavors develop while the beef browns. Drain any excess fat if there’s too much, but a little adds richness. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Cook onions, garlic, and rice mixture

In the same pot (cleaned quickly if needed), melt half the butter and sauté diced onions until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—don’t let it burn. Pour in beef broth, add the uncooked rice and sliced mushrooms, and give it a good stir. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender—about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Combine everything with creamy goodness

Once the rice is cooked, stir back in the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix it well so every bit is coated in that silky, cheesy sauce. This part brings all the casserole magic together.

Step 4: Bake to melty perfection

Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. You’re looking for that perfect cheese crust that just makes the whole dish sing. Let it cool a bit before serving—it helps everything set nicely.

Top Tip

After making this casserole dozens of times, I've learned a few tricks that make your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe truly shine without any stress.

Don’t Skip Browning: Properly browning the ground beef adds deep flavor and prevents the mixture from tasting bland.
Use Broth, Not Water: Cooking the rice in beef broth instead of water takes the flavor level up several notches.
Mix Gently: When combining ingredients, stir gently to keep the rice grains intact and avoid mushy casseroles.
Cheese on Top: Saving half the cheese for the topping creates that perfect golden crust that everyone loves.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

A close-up view of cooked ground meat in a dark pan, showing a layer of crumbled brown beef spread out evenly around the pan. On top, near the center, is a small pile of chopped white onions with pieces of different sizes and shapes. Next to the onions, there are spices including black pepper and a light brown powder. The surface beneath the pan has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish this casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a little color and a fresh bite. A few cracked black peppercorns on top add a nice rustic touch and contrast perfectly with the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

It pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted green veggies like asparagus or broccoli. If you’re looking for more comfort food, buttery dinner rolls or garlic bread are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins, baked until bubbly and topped with a fresh herb sprig. It feels a bit more festive and makes portioning easy when guests come over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I’ve found leftovers taste just as good when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up if it seems dry.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! I like to portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking or after fully cooled. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake covered until hot throughout.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers either covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Adding a little extra cheese on top freshens up the melted texture and gives you that comforting crust again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant rice instead of long grain rice?

Instant rice usually cooks faster but can turn mushy when baked in casseroles like this one. I recommend sticking to regular long grain white rice for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to two days before baking. When ready, bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbling and heated through.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you prefer homemade or don’t like mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup works well as a substitute. You can also make a simple white sauce from butter, flour, and milk for a fresher taste.

How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

You can easily fold in frozen peas, shredded carrots, or corn along with the mushrooms when cooking the rice mixture. Just make sure to slightly reduce the broth if adding high-moisture veggies to keep the casserole from becoming too watery.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe feels like a warm hug after a hectic day. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough for company. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it as comforting and delicious as I do. Trust me, once you master this casserole, it’ll become a permanent favorite in your recipe box!