I absolutely love this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe because it’s the perfect cozy meal that feels like a warm hug from your childhood kitchen. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or craving some comfort food on the weekend, this casserole is just the right mix of hearty and cheesy to satisfy everyone at the table.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was but how rich and flavorful the result turned out, especially with just a few pantry staples. You’ll find that this casserole not only fills you up but comes together smoothly, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile Preparation: You get to choose from quick, semi-homemade, or from scratch versions depending on how much time you have.
- Comforting and Flavorful: The blend of cheesy goodness, savory ground beef, and tender rice hits all the cozy food notes.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish, and it’s easy to double up if you want leftovers or to feed a crowd.
- Easy to Customize: Swap veggies, cheeses, or gravy styles to make it your own, even for picky eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe come together beautifully, balancing creamy textures and savory flavor. I recommend using fresh or good-quality items when possible to really bring out the best taste.
- Ground Beef: Choose lean or regular based on your preference; I personally like lean to reduce grease but still get great flavor.
- Long Grain White Rice: Uncooked rice works best because it cooks right in the casserole, absorbing all those savory juices.
- Carrots: Fresh sliced carrots add a nice subtle sweetness and texture.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup or Mushroom Gravy: Depending on the version, these add creamy umami magic—the shortcut or from scratch option is your call!
- Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese: Slices melt perfectly on top, creating that irresistible cheesy crust.
- Butter, Onion, Garlic, Mushrooms, Flour, Cream, Chicken Broth (for from scratch): These build the homemade mushroom sauce that makes the casserole extra special.
- Milk and Water: Essential for simmering the rice and keeping everything moist.
Variations
I like to play around with this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe depending on what I have in the fridge or what my family’s craving. Feel free to make it your own with these easy tweaks.
- Vegetable Swap: I’ve swapped carrots for peas, green beans, or even bell peppers – all add fresh color and flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of pepper jack if you want a little kick – it all melts beautifully.
- Protein Alternatives: Turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat works well if you want a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
- From Scratch Mushroom Sauce: I discovered this trick when I made my own sauce—it adds a deep flavor that takes the casserole up a notch.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8×9” baking dish with nonstick spray. While the oven is warming up, cook and drain your ground beef. I always break it up well while cooking to make sure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Mix the Base Flavor
If you’re doing the quick or semi-homemade method, combine your cream of mushroom soup or mushroom gravy with water and milk. For the from scratch option, make your mushroom sauce by melting butter, sautéing onions, garlic, and mushrooms, then whisking in flour, cream, and broth until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This base is what makes the casserole so creamy and rich.
Step 3: Combine and Assemble
In a large bowl, combine your prepared sauce or soup mixture, uncooked rice, cooked beef, sliced carrots, and water. Stir everything together until well mixed, then pour it into the greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
Step 4: Bake Low and Slow
Bake uncovered for 90 minutes. The low and slow baking gives the rice time to absorb all those flavors and the beef to meld perfectly. I always check halfway through to nudge the casserole for even cooking. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once baked, arrange cheese slices on top and pop the casserole back in the oven for a few more minutes — just until the cheese melts and bubbles. This cheesy topping is what makes everyone’s eyes light up at the dinner table!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing the beef and any dairy to room temp cuts down baking time and helps everything cook evenly.
- Don’t Overload the Dish: Give the ingredients space in the baking dish so the rice can properly cook and absorb flavors.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit 5-10 minutes after baking; it helps it set and makes serving cleaner.
- Avoid Watery Casserole: Don’t add extra water beyond what the recipe states; extra moisture can make it soggy.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I add a spoonful of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce for a little tang and heat—it totally elevates the flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts. I like something crisp and light on the side to balance out the hearty, cheesy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I’ve baked this casserole in elegant individual ramekins to serve warm single portions, which look incredibly inviting. Or, layering with extra cheese on top and broiling it at the end creates a golden crust that wows guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. The casserole actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.
Freezing
Freezing this casserole works great if you want to prep ahead. I freeze it before baking in a freezer-safe dish, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking fresh. This is a lifesaver for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through to keep it moist. Microwaving works too if you’re in a rush, but I prefer the oven for more even reheating.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?
You can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer baking time and possibly more liquid to cook thoroughly. I suggest pre-cooking the brown rice slightly before adding it to the casserole to ensure it gets tender.
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Is it necessary to cook the ground beef before baking?
Yes, it’s best to cook and drain the ground beef first to control texture and flavor, and to prevent excess fat from making the casserole greasy. It also ensures the meat is safely cooked through.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream to create the sauce. Just be sure to pick a dairy-free mushroom soup or gravy as well if you’re going the semi-homemade route.
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Why does the casserole need to bake uncovered?
Baking uncovered helps excess moisture evaporate, preventing the casserole from being soggy and allowing the rice to cook properly. Just keep an eye on it to avoid drying out; the cheese topping added at the end adds moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe feels like the ultimate comfort meal that keeps me coming back, especially on chilly evenings. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do because it’s truly a family-pleaser that’s easy to tweak and always satisfying. Give it a try—you’ll want to keep it on your weeknight menu for sure!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It combines tender ground beef, long grain white rice, and sliced carrots baked together in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with melted cheddar or Colby Jack cheese. With three different preparation methods—Quick, Semi-Homemade, and From Scratch—it caters to various cooking preferences and time constraints while delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Quick Recipe
- 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 cup Long Grain White Rice, uncooked
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Carrots, sliced
- 1/2–1 pound Ground Beef, cooked
- Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese, sliced, about 9 pieces
Semi Homemade
- 1 cup Long Grain White Rice, uncooked
- 2 cups Water
- 1/2 to 1 pound Ground Beef, cooked
- 1 cup Carrots, sliced
- Pacific Foods Mushroom Gravy, 13.9 ounces
- 1/2 cup Milk
- Colby Jack or Medium Cheddar Cheese, for topping
From Scratch
- 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 cup Onion, minced
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup White Button Mushrooms, minced
- 3 Tablespoons Flour
- 1/2 cup Cream
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups Water
- 1/2–1 pound Ground Beef, cooked
- 1 cup Carrots, sliced
- Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese, sliced, about 9 pieces
- 1 cup Long Grain White Rice, uncooked
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray or grease an 8×9″ baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Quick Recipe method: In a mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup, uncooked rice, water, sliced carrots, and cooked ground beef. Stir until everything is well mixed. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 90 minutes. After baking, top with cheese slices and return to the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Semi Homemade method: In a bowl, whisk together water, Pacific Foods Mushroom Gravy, and milk until smooth. Add the uncooked rice, cooked ground beef, and sliced carrots, stirring to combine. Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 90 minutes. Once baked, top with slices of Colby Jack or medium cheddar cheese and bake for an additional few minutes until melted.
- From Scratch method: In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced onion, garlic, and mushrooms; sauté until fragrant and softened. Whisk in the flour and cook for 30-60 seconds to form a roux. Slowly add the cream and chicken broth, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste, then remove from heat. In the prepared baking dish, combine this cream mixture with uncooked rice, sliced carrots, cooked ground beef, and water. Mix well. Bake uncovered for 90 minutes, then arrange cheese slices on top and bake a few more minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking, then serve warm. This dish reheats well in both the oven and microwave.
Notes
- This casserole can be reheated in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through or in the microwave for a quicker option.
- You can adjust the amount of ground beef from 1/2 to 1 pound depending on your preference for more or less meat.
- Cheese types like Cheddar or Colby Jack work well as toppings to add a melty, savory finish.
- For a creamier texture, be sure to cover the rice mixture well during baking, but the recipe bakes uncovered to develop a nice top layer.
- If substituting the mushroom soup or gravy, choose varieties low in sodium for a healthier option.
