Nothing beats that warm, melty goodness of a classic comfort dish, and this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is just that. It’s an effortless, cozy meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your family with happy smiles—seriously, you’re going to want to make this ASAP.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a layered dish of cooked white rice mixed with ground brown meat, topped with melted orange cheese patches and sprinkled with bright green chopped herbs. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth napkin on the side and two gold spoons partially visible in the upper left corner. The overall look is warm and hearty, with distinct layers of rice and meat blending together under the melted cheese and fresh herbs. 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 can’t tell you how many times this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole has saved my dinner plans—especially on those busy weeknights when I want something tasty but fuss-free. It’s like a warm hug in a dish, and I just know you’ll adore it as much as I do.

Super simple: Uses pantry staples you probably already have—no last-minute store runs.
Kid-friendly: Cheesy, creamy, and loaded with familiar flavors that even picky eaters love.
One-dish wonder: Combining protein, carbs, and cheese all in one pan for easy cleanup.
Customizable comfort: Easy to tweak with your favorite add-ins or swap ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe plays an important role to create that rich, comforting flavor we all crave. Using ground beef brings hearty protein, while rice offers a perfect base to soak up all that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small diced yellow onion, two whole cloves of garlic with clean white skins, a generous heap of cooked fluffy white rice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mushroom soup, another small white ceramic bowl holding fresh milk, a neat pile of shredded sharp orange cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant red paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black pepper, and a few sprigs of bright green chopped parsley, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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

Lean ground beef: Keeps the casserole hearty without being greasy or heavy.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when softened with the beef.
Garlic: Just a touch brightens the whole dish with a warm aroma.
Cooked white rice: Acts like a sponge soaking up the creamy sauce and flavors.
Cream of mushroom soup: Creates that rich, velvety texture that makes casseroles so irresistible.
Milk or beef broth: Thins out the soup just enough for smooth creaminess.
Cheddar cheese: Provides that amazing melty texture and sharp flavor; I like to use sharp cheddar for a little extra punch.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and color for extra appeal.
Salt and pepper: Essential to bring out all those layered flavors.
Optional parsley: For a fresh pop of color and light herbal note at the end.

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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

One of the best things about this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is how flexible it is. I love swapping in different cheeses or mixing in veggies based on what’s in my fridge—makes it feel fresh every time.

Variation: To sneak in more greens, I sometimes toss in spinach or frozen peas right before baking. It blends beautifully without overpowering the creamy-cheesy flavor.
Healthier twist: Swap out regular cheddar for reduced-fat cheese, and use brown rice instead of white if you want a whole grain boost.
Make it spicy: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños brings a nice kick if you like a little heat.
Meat alternative: You can easily swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option without sacrificing flavor.

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

A white bowl filled with a mixed dish of cooked white rice and browned ground meat spread evenly. The top layer has melted yellow cheese drizzled across the rice and meat, with green chopped herbs sprinkled on top. There is a silver spoon resting inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a wood surface with a light fabric partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onions

Start with heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add your lean ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking the beef apart with a spatula, until it's fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. A quick tip: don’t rush the browning because that’s where you build the flavor. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep it from getting greasy.

Step 2: Stir in the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the beef mixture, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. This short cook time lets the garlic release its aroma without burning, which can happen quickly. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing right about now!

Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix your cream of mushroom soup, milk (or beef broth if you want a savory edge), paprika, salt, and pepper. This combo creates a rich, comforting sauce that ties the whole dish together. Make sure to whisk it well so it’s perfectly smooth before adding it in.

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Baking Dish

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly and add your cooked rice, the beef and onion mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the sauce. Give everything a good stir so the cheese melts in and every bite is flavorful. I love to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top of your casserole, then cover the dish with foil. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After that, take the foil off and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes so the cheese gets bubbly and golden. If you want a little crispy finish, I like to broil it for 2 minutes at the end—just watch closely to avoid burning!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the casserole for a fresh pop of color and light flavor. Serve it hot straight from the dish—because that melty cheese and savory beef taste is at its best fresh and warm.

Top Tip

I’ve found a few little tricks over time that make this casserole shine every time. These tips help avoid common pitfalls and elevate the flavor so your effort really pays off.

Drain the fat well: After browning the beef, take the time to drain excess fat—it keeps the casserole from feeling greasy and heavy.
Don't skip the paprika: It’s a small addition but adds a subtle smoky warmth and gorgeous color that makes the dish more inviting.
Even cheese distribution: Adding half the cheese inside the mixture and half on top ensures cheesy surprise bites throughout and a melty, golden crown.
Watch the broil time: If you broil the cheese topping, keep a close eye—2 minutes is usually perfect to crisp without burning.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh parsley on top—it brightens the rich casserole and adds a lovely color contrast. Sometimes, I also add a few dashes of hot sauce or a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess and zest, especially when serving weeknight dinners.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or steamed broccoli to balance out the richness. Roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts also pair beautifully and add a different texture.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this for a gathering, try baking individual portions in small ramekins for a charming personal touch. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a little dollop of sour cream on each makes it feel special without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually reheat in the microwave or oven—it tastes just as comforting the second time around, especially when you cover it to keep the moisture locked in.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, which is great for meal prep. I often freeze it right before baking in a freezer-safe dish. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through—usually takes around 15-20 minutes. This helps the cheese stay melty without drying out. Microwaving works too, just expect a softer texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works just fine in this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before mixing, as it takes longer to cook than white rice. The nuttier flavor adds a nice dimension too.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy days or hosting, allowing the flavors to meld even more.

What’s the best way to avoid a soggy bottom?

Using lean ground beef and draining any excess fat after cooking helps prevent greasiness that can make the casserole soggy. Also, make sure the rice isn’t over-saturated and the sauce is just the right consistency—not too runny.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in cooked or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or peas. Just be mindful of moisture content to keep the casserole from getting watery.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe feels like the ultimate comfort food staple in my kitchen. It’s easy to throw together and satisfying enough to please everyone around the table. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe whenever you want dinner that’s warm, cheesy, and totally comforting. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones—you’ll be glad you did!