Dinner

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

ByMaya bella January 26, 2026January 26, 2026

Introduction

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make one-dish meal. Combining savory beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

A white bowl filled with a layered dish of cooked white rice mixed with browned ground beef, topped with melted yellow cheddar cheese scattered over the surface, and sprinkled with chopped bright green parsley. The texture shows soft, fluffy rice grains combined with crumbly beef pieces, while the cheese appears gooey and slightly melted. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft gray cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1/2 cup milk or beef broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the sauce. Mix well to combine evenly.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Step 7: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 8: For a crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 9: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom for a slightly different flavor.
Add a cup of frozen peas or corn to the beef mixture for extra veggies.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
Try mixing in some cooked bacon bits for added smokiness and texture.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a mixture of cooked rice and browned ground meat, topped with melted yellow cheese scattered in small patches and fresh green chopped herbs sprinkled evenly over the dish. The rice grains are slightly shiny and well mixed with the meat, creating a textured and colorful contrast between the beige rice, brown meat, and bright green herbs. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a light tan cloth partially visible in the background, and a gold fork is placed nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well in this casserole. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before assembling to avoid a crunchy texture.

Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?

You can substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free cream soup and milk substitute. This will slightly change the flavor and texture but keeps it suitable for those avoiding dairy.