This recipe is seriously addictive—one bite and your family will be asking for it every single week
There’s something especially comforting about a hot, golden casserole fresh from the oven. This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is the definition of comfort food—filling, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or prepping meals ahead of time.
This recipe came together on a night when time was limited and ingredients were scarce. With ground beef, leftover rice, and a couple of canned soups, dinner was ready in less than an hour—and it quickly became a household favorite. It’s budget-friendly, satisfying, and easy to customize, making it a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Creamy cheese, tender rice, and savory beef combine into a dish that’s both familiar and crowd-pleasing. It freezes well and can be adapted to suit your tastes, making it a reliable option for any busy kitchen. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete 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 preferred
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 Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the meat is fully browned.
- Drain any excess fat, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Mix Everything Together
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the uncooked rice, broth, soups, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble
- Transfer 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 over the top and return to the oven uncovered for about 10 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
7. Serve
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
✨ Hearty, cheesy, and full of comfort—this casserole turns even the busiest nights into a warm, satisfying meal.
