This recipe is seriously addictive—one bite and your family will be asking for it every single week

Few things are as comforting as a hot casserole fresh from the oven, bubbling and golden on top. This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole checks every box—it’s hearty, cozy, and incredibly easy to make. Built from everyday pantry staples, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family without stress.

I first made this dish on a night when time was tight and groceries were running low. With ground beef, leftover rice, and a couple of canned soups, dinner was on the table in under an hour—and it immediately became a household favorite. Budget-friendly, filling, and endlessly adaptable, it’s one of those reliable recipes you’ll reach for again and again.

Creamy cheese, tender rice, and savory beef come together in every bite, delivering familiar, comforting flavors that both kids and adults love. It’s freezer-friendly, customizable, and pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

🥘 Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

Ingredients

Ingredient | Amount | Notes
Ground beef | 1 lb |
Onion | 1 small, finely chopped |
Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
Long-grain white rice | 1 cup, uncooked |
Beef broth (or water + bouillon) | 2½ cups |
Cream of mushroom soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can |
Cream of cheddar soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can | Substitute cream of chicken if desired
Cheddar cheese | 1½ cups, shredded | Divided
Sour cream | ½ cup |
Worcestershire sauce | 1 tsp |
Paprika | ½ tsp |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Parsley, chopped | Optional | For garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the Beef
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is fully browned.
   Drain excess fat, add the garlic, and cook for 1 additional minute.
3. Combine the Ingredients
   In a large bowl, stir together the beef mixture, uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
5. Bake
   Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remove the foil.
6. Add the Cheese
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top and return to the oven, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
7. Serve
   Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.