There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole to bring comfort to the dinner table, especially on a busy weeknight. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both simple and satisfying, this Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is just the dish you need. Packed with tender beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and melty cheddar cheese, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for the whole family. Plus, it’s easy to make with pantry staples, meaning no extra trips to the store!

Casseroles have always held a special place in my kitchen. They remind me of family gatherings, cozy fall evenings, and those nights when you just need something hearty and delicious without spending hours cooking. This particular dish is one of the best because it comes together with minimal prep and bakes up into a cheesy, bubbly masterpiece.

So, let’s get started on this crowd-pleasing meal!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

The first thing we need to do is get the oven ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so that it’s hot and ready when it’s time to bake. Also, take a moment to lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than leaving half your casserole behind in the pan!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Now, let’s move on to the stovetop. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 1 diced medium onion and sauté it until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

At this point, your kitchen will start smelling amazing—that rich aroma of cooking onions is always the sign of a delicious meal in progress!

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Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Once your onions are nice and soft, it’s time to add the 1 pound of ground beef. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste and break up the beef as it cooks. Keep stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Pro Tip: If you want to keep things a bit leaner, opt for ground turkey instead of beef, or drain any excess fat after browning.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

Now comes the creamy goodness! Stir in one can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of beef broth into the skillet with the cooked beef. Mix everything well until the ingredients are combined into a smooth, creamy sauce.

This step is what gives the casserole its rich, comforting flavor. The beef broth enhances the meaty taste, while the cream of mushroom soup adds a velvety texture that blends beautifully with the rice.

Step 5: Combine with Rice

At this point, grab a large mixing bowl and pour in 1 cup of uncooked white rice. Now, take your creamy beef mixture and stir it together with the rice until everything is evenly combined.

Why Uncooked Rice?
Some casseroles use pre-cooked rice, but in this recipe, the rice absorbs all that flavorful broth and sauce while baking, which makes it extra tasty. Plus, it saves you an extra cooking step!

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Once your rice and beef mixture is fully combined, it’s time to transfer everything into your prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so that the rice cooks uniformly and every bite is packed with flavor.

Now for the best part—the cheese! Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This cheese layer will melt into a golden, bubbly crust, making every spoonful irresistibly gooey.

Now that we have our casserole fully assembled in the dish and topped with a generous layer of cheese, it’s time to bake this hearty, comforting meal to perfection. The magic of this dish happens in the oven—where all the flavors meld together, the rice softens, and the cheese turns into a bubbling, golden crust.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place your casserole dish in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake it uncovered for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all the liquid and cook thoroughly, while also letting the cheese melt into gooey perfection.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbling, and the rice is tender. If you find that the rice isn’t fully cooked by the 45-minute mark, you can loosely cover the dish with foil and let it bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Step 8: Let it Cool Before Serving

Once your casserole is perfectly baked, resist the temptation to dig in immediately! Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set slightly, making it easier to scoop out servings without falling apart. Plus, it gives the flavors a little extra time to settle and become even more delicious.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Now that you’ve mastered the basic steps, here are some pro tips to make sure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

1. Choose the Right Rice

While the recipe calls for uncooked white rice, you can also use brown rice for a slightly nuttier flavor and added fiber. However, brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to add extra beef broth (about ½ cup) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

2. Get Creative with Cheese Choices

Cheddar cheese is a classic option, but you can mix things up by using a blend of cheeses like:

• Monterey Jack for extra meltiness
• Mozzarella for a stretchy cheese pull
• Pepper Jack for a hint of spice
• Parmesan for a sharp, salty bite on top

3. Add Extra Veggies for More Flavor

This casserole is a great way to sneak in extra vegetables without any complaints! Try adding:

• Chopped bell peppers for sweetness
• Sliced mushrooms for a deeper umami flavor
• Frozen peas or corn for a pop of color and texture
• Spinach (stirred in at the end) for an extra boost of greens

4. Give It a Tex-Mex Twist

Want to switch up the flavors? Turn this into a Tex-Mex casserole by adding:

• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• ½ teaspoon of cumin
• ½ cup of salsa
• A handful of black beans
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend on top instead of cheddar

Serve it with sour cream and chopped cilantro for a bold, flavorful twist!

5. Make It a One-Pan Dish

For less cleanup, you can cook the ground beef, onions, and sauce directly in an oven-safe skillet. Once everything is mixed, simply sprinkle the cheese on top and transfer it straight to the oven—no extra dishes required!

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is already a complete meal, but if you want to round it out, here are some great side dish ideas:

• A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of sauce
• Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots for extra veggies
• A dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra zing

By now, your Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is baked to perfection, the cheese is beautifully golden and bubbling, and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing. Before we wrap things up, let’s dive into some of the most common frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this dish. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, storage, or making this meal ahead of time, I’ve got you covered!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

2. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Rice Instead of Uncooked Rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid amounts. Since the rice in the original recipe absorbs the broth as it cooks, you’ll need to reduce the beef broth to about ½ cup when using pre-cooked rice. Add the cooked rice at the assembly step and bake for about 30 minutes instead of 45 minutes.

3. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers store beautifully! Here’s how:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole for up to 3 months. Just wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil.
• Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or bake the entire dish at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

4. Can I Make This Casserole Without Mushrooms?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can swap out the cream of mushroom soup for:

• Cream of chicken soup (for a milder, comforting flavor)
• Cream of celery soup (for a slightly herby taste)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for a lighter alternative)

5. Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?

Definitely! Ground turkey works really well in this recipe as a leaner alternative. Just be sure to add a little extra seasoning (like garlic powder or paprika) since turkey is milder in flavor than beef.

6. How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?

If you love a little heat, try these additions:

• Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes while cooking the beef.
• Stir in diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier topping.
• Drizzle with hot sauce or sriracha before serving.

7. What Can I Serve with This Casserole?

This casserole is a hearty, complete meal on its own, but if you want a few side dishes to complement it, try:

• Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, or green beans)
• A fresh side salad with a tangy dressing
• Dinner rolls or garlic bread to scoop up all that cheesy goodness

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a simple, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting casserole that’s perfect for any night of the week. This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is packed with flavor, texture, and melty cheese, making it a total family favorite. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just looking for a cozy dish to enjoy, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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• Author: David
• Total Time: 55 minutes

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Description

A hearty, comforting, and cheesy casserole that’s perfect for a simple weeknight meal! Made with ground beef, rice, and a creamy mushroom sauce, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2️⃣ Sauté the Onion:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).

3️⃣ Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

4️⃣ Mix the Sauce:
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth, mixing well to combine.

5️⃣ Combine with Rice:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mixture with uncooked rice. Stir until evenly mixed.

6️⃣ Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.

7️⃣ Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

8️⃣ Bake:
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9️⃣ Cool & Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

• Rice Substitutions: You can use brown rice, but you may need to add an extra ¼ cup of broth and bake for a bit longer.
• Extra Flavor: Add garlic powder, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce for an extra flavor boost.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Stir in frozen peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4-6