Savory Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty ground beef and rice casserole that promises to satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling surface over tender meat and fluffy grains.

Home cooks adore this simple yet delicious one-pan meal that comes together in minutes.

Packed with robust flavors and creamy textures, this casserole delivers a satisfying dinner solution for busy households.

Weeknight meals never looked more appetizing than this crowd-pleasing dish.

Each forkful brings warmth and richness that transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole: Family Comfort

• This ground beef and rice casserole brings comfort and convenience to your dinner table with minimal effort.
• Swap out vegetables or cheese varieties to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for picky eaters.
• Packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, this one-pan wonder satisfies hunger and delivers nutrition in every delicious bite.
• Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, frozen vegetables, and pantry staples, creating a filling meal without breaking the bank.

The Ingredients That Make Ground Beef Casserole Shine

• Ground Beef: The primary protein source that provides rich flavor and hearty texture to the casserole.
• Sweet Onion: Adds a mild, sweet flavor and aromatic base to the ground beef.

• Garlic, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides deep, layered savory flavor to enhance the dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Creates a balanced and complex seasoning profile that complements the beef and rice.

• Instant Rice: Quick-cooking grain that absorbs the flavorful liquid and creates a hearty base.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Adds nutritional variety and color to the casserole.
• Cream of Celery Soup, Beef Stock: Creates a creamy, rich sauce that binds the ingredients together.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a bold, tangy cheese flavor and creates a golden, melted topping.

• Dried or Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, light garnish to brighten the dish.

Tools To Make Beef & Rice Casserole Easy

• Dutch Oven or Large Skillet: Deep-sided pan for browning beef and onions evenly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole perfectly.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up ground beef.
• Cheese Grater: If using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Nonstick Foil: Covers casserole during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Broiler: Gives a final golden-brown cheese topping.

Steps To Hearty, Cheesy Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray.

Set the dish aside while you get ready to create a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Grab a large skillet or dutch oven and heat it up.

• Ground beef
• Diced sweet onion

Break up the beef into tiny crumbles and cook until the meat is completely browned and the onions turn soft and translucent.

This should take about 10 minutes.

Don’t forget to drain any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds.

The kitchen will fill with an incredible aroma that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Base

• Cream of celery soup
• Beef stock
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything until it’s well combined and looking super tasty.

Step 5: Add Rice and Vegetables

• Instant rice
• Frozen mixed vegetables

Stir everything together and transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top.

Cover the dish with nonstick foil and slide it into a preheated oven.

Bake until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Step 7: Final Crispy Finish

Remove the foil and pop the casserole under the broiler.

Watch carefully as the cheese gets a beautiful golden-brown color.

Sprinkle some fresh or dried parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Smart Moves For Cheesy, Savory Casserole

• Always remove extra fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a healthier dish.
• Use long-grain rice or brown rice instead of instant rice for a more nutritious and hearty meal.
• Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after broiling to allow cheese to set and create a perfect golden-brown topping.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses for a more complex taste.

Beef & Rice Casserole Variations To Love

• Vegetarian Rice Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock for enhanced flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap cream of celery soup with homemade cream sauce using gluten-free flour. Select gluten-free instant rice to make the entire dish celiac-friendly.
• Mediterranean Herb Casserole: Substitute Italian seasoning with oregano, basil, and thyme. Add crumbled feta cheese on top instead of cheddar for a Greek-inspired variation. Include diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Creative Casserole Serving Ideas

• Family Movie Night Star: Perfect for gathering everyone around the table with a comforting, hearty meal that kids and adults will love.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Minimal prep time and one-dish convenience make this casserole a lifesaver for busy families needing a delicious dinner fast.
• Lunch Leftovers Champion: Store in airtight containers for 3-4 days, creating an easy next-day meal that reheats wonderfully in the microwave or oven.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Transport in a covered dish and watch how quickly this cheesy, savory casserole disappears at community gatherings or friend meetups.

Storing Cheesy Beef Casserole For Later Meals

• Transfer leftovers into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the casserole intact to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Pack cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Add extra cheese on top for extra flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?

You can substitute regular rice, but you’ll need to partially cook it first. Add about 1/4 cup more liquid and pre-cook the rice for 5-7 minutes before mixing with other ingredients to ensure it becomes tender during baking.

• Is it okay to swap ground beef with another meat?

Ground turkey or ground chicken work perfectly as substitutes. They’ll provide similar texture and absorb the seasonings well. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients.

• How can I make this casserole healthier?

Use lean ground beef (90/10), low-sodium cream of celery soup, and reduced-fat cheese. Add extra vegetables like spinach or diced bell peppers to increase nutritional value and fiber content.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole delivers comfort and flavor in one delicious dish. Midwest home cooks perfected this satisfying meal that fills hungry families with warmth and classic homestyle goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small sweet onion, small diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces (340 grams) frozen mixed vegetables

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cans cream of celery soup
• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) beef stock
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) instant rice
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and diced onions over medium heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles until no pink remains and onions are translucent, approximately 10 minutes.
3. Drain excess grease from the beef mixture, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
4. Incorporate cream of celery soup, beef stock, and all seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper) into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly.
5. Fold in instant rice and frozen mixed vegetables, ensuring even distribution of ingredients throughout the skillet.
6. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
8. Cover the dish with nonstick foil and bake for 45 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and cheese is completely melted.
9. Remove foil and briefly broil for 2-3 minutes to create a golden, crispy cheese topping.
10. Garnish with fresh or dried parsley if desired, then serve hot directly from the baking dish.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a healthier casserole.
• For a gluten-free version, swap cream of celery soup with homemade white sauce or gluten-free cream soup alternative.
• Consider using brown rice instead of instant rice for added nutritional value and a slightly nuttier flavor profile.
• Customize vegetable mix based on personal preference or seasonal availability, keeping frozen vegetable quantity consistent.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 48 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 482
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 930 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg