If you’re craving comfort food that hits all the right notes—savory, cheesy, and downright satisfying—you’re going to adore this Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how all the flavors blend together into one warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Trust me, once you make it, this casserole will become your go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little cozy hug from the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless One-Dish Meal: Everything cooks together, saving you time and cleanup—perfect for busy days.
- Rich, Comforting Flavors: Creamy soup, seasoned beef, and sharp cheddar combine for a cozy, flavorful bite every time.
- Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this casserole—it’s the kind of recipe that gets requested again and again.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can swap veggies or spice it up, making it easy to customize according to what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. I like to use a good-quality sharp cheddar cheese because it melts perfectly and adds that signature tangy bite, while the cream of celery soup brings a subtle creaminess that I’ve come to love.
- Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for a good fat content, which keeps the casserole juicy and flavorful.
- Sweet onion: Adds a mild, pleasant sweetness; I prefer small-diced to cook evenly without overpowering.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives that lovely aromatic kick that canned garlic just can’t replace.
- Cream of celery soup: This soup is the secret to the creamy texture and subtle celery undertone.
- Beef stock: Enhances the beefy richness and helps the rice cook perfectly.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika: These pantry staples layer flavor without fuss.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Instant rice: Using instant rice means it cooks seamlessly inside the casserole and absorbs all those tasty juices.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: A colorful veggie mix adds nutrition and texture; I like the little pops of color and crunch.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: For that gooey, melty top that pulls you in every time.
Variations
I love that this Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is super easy to adapt based on what you love or what you have in the fridge. Feel free to experiment with different veggies and cheeses to make it your own — it’s all about making it work for your family’s tastes.
- Vegetable swaps: I sometimes swap frozen mixed veggies for fresh broccoli or mushrooms to add a different texture. My family enjoyed that fresh twist!
- Cheese variations: Mixing sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds a creamy or spicy flair I discovered after a few tries.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce in the mix gives it a subtle heat kick that my husband loves.
- Make it lighter: Using reduced-fat soup and lean ground beef cuts down calories but still keeps it tasty—perfect if you want a lighter touch.
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Brown your ground beef along with the diced sweet onion, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks. This usually takes about 10 minutes until there’s no pink left and the onions are soft and sweet-smelling. Make sure to drain excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily—this step really helps with the final texture.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Once the beef and onions are ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it burn! Then, remove from heat and mix in your cream of celery soup, beef stock, and all the spices: garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combo layers in deep flavor that makes the casserole taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
Step 3: Combine with Rice and Vegetables
Stir in the instant rice and frozen mixed vegetables right into the beef mixture. This is one of my favorite parts because the rice absorbs all those delicious juices while the veggies add freshness and color. Once everything’s evenly combined, pour it into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Top your casserole with shredded sharp cheddar cheese—don’t be shy here, cheese makes everything better! Cover the dish with nonstick foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the cheese has completely melted.
Step 5: Broil for a Perfectly Golden Finish
For that irresistible golden brown top, uncover your casserole and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it because cheese can go from beautiful to burnt quickly! When it’s lightly browned with a few toasted edges, it’s time to pull it out. Sprinkle with fresh or dried parsley if you like, and serve it up hot.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Drain the Beef Well: I learned the hard way that too much grease makes the casserole soggy, so always drain the ground beef properly after browning.
- Don’t Skip the Broil: Broiling gives the cheese that mouthwatering golden crust that really elevates the dish.
- Use Instant Rice: Regular rice won’t cook properly in the casserole, so stick to instant rice to keep it tender but not mushy.
- Watch the Broiler Closely: Cheese can burn quickly under the broiler—stay nearby and remove once it’s browned.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I even add a little dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side — it’s those little touches that make it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty filling, but I like pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed green beans to brighten the meal and add a crisp contrast. Garlic bread also works perfectly if you’re craving extra comfort food vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners or potlucks, I sometimes bake the casserole in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own cheesy personal portion, which always feels a bit fancy and makes the meal festive! You can also sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy crust that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld a bit more overnight, so sometimes I think leftovers taste even better the next day!
Freezing
I’ve had great luck freezing portions of this casserole before baking. Just prepare everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready, bake from frozen—expect to add extra baking time—and you’ve got a ready-made meal that’s perfect for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep it moist. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps the rice fluffy and the cheese melty without drying it out.
FAQs
-
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice in this casserole?
Regular rice isn’t recommended because it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid which can throw off the texture of the casserole. Instant rice is designed to absorb liquid quickly and cook fast, making it perfect for this one-dish recipe.
-
What can I substitute if I don’t have cream of celery soup?
If you don’t have cream of celery soup, you can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a slightly different but still delicious flavor. Alternatively, making a quick homemade white sauce with a pinch of celery seed can work nicely.
-
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix all the ingredients, place them in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal planning or entertaining.
-
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or swap some cheese for pepper jack. Mixing in a little hot sauce before baking also works if you like a good kick!
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I love how simple it is to pull together and how reliably delicious it turns out every time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals ahead, I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do—it’s one that always brings smiles around my table.
Print
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole featuring ground beef, instant rice, and mixed vegetables baked in a creamy seasoned sauce topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy family meal that combines savory flavors and satisfying textures in one dish.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, small diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Wet Ingredients & Seasonings
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of celery soup
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup instant rice
- 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside to prepare the casserole for baking.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a dutch oven or large skillet with deep sides over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Break up the beef into crumbles and cook, stirring often, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the pan from heat to avoid burning the garlic.
- Combine Soup and Seasonings: Add the cream of celery soup, beef stock, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Rice and Vegetables: Stir in the instant rice and frozen mixed vegetables until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with nonstick foil and bake for 45 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Broil Cheese: Uncover the casserole and place it under the broiler for a few minutes to lightly brown the cheese topping. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Optionally, garnish with dried or fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting cheesy beef and rice casserole.
Notes
- This casserole is a family favorite comfort meal and an easy one-dish recipe perfect for busy nights.
- Using instant rice significantly reduces the cooking time.
- Feel free to swap the frozen mixed vegetables with your preferred mix or fresh vegetables if desired.
- Covering the dish during baking ensures even cooking and prevents the cheese from drying out.
- Broiling at the end adds a delicious golden crust on top, enhancing flavor and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 379 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 622 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg
