Name: Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole – Comfort Food Recipes Made Easy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 tbsp olive oil

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Let’s talk about comfort food, shall we? This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is that dish you make when you want something warm, hearty, and just plain cozy. You know the kind—it’s not flashy, but it hits the spot after a long day. I remember making this on a chilly Tuesday when I forgot to defrost the chicken (again), and let me tell you—zero regrets. Ground beef, rice, and cheese baked into one glorious pan of happiness. It’s not only easy but also satisfying in that ‘second-helping-is-mandatory’ kind of way. Whether you’re hunting for ground beef rice recipes or need something the kids won’t complain about, this checks every box. Simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and it’s the hero of ground beef casserole recipes for dinner. It’s one of those rice and ground beef recipes that works with turkey, too—just in case you’re leaning toward something lighter. I say grab your skillet and get comfy.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
4) How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
5) Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
6) Making Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is comfort food at its best. Warm, filling, and cheesy, it’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table without even calling them. It’s quick to put together and doesn’t require fancy ingredients. You can swap out meats or cheese and it still tastes like home.

The best part is that it’s a one-pan wonder. Less cleanup, more relaxation. Whether you’re feeding family, roommates, or just yourself after a long day, this dish feels like a reward. Every spoonful is rich and creamy, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.

If you love Comfort Food Recipes that make you feel cozy, this one’s a keeper. It’s hearty enough for dinner and flexible enough for meal prep. A true kitchen friend, no matter the season.

2) Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe

I’ve made a lot of dinners over the years, but few disappear as fast as this casserole. The smell alone could convince anyone to skip takeout. You brown the beef, stir in a few pantry staples, and let the oven work its magic. It’s simple, but it feels like comfort on a plate.

When I tested this for Cook Daily Recipe, the goal was easy weeknight satisfaction. Nothing fancy, just real food that tastes great. It’s a go-to among my Comfort Food Recipes, and for good reason. The beef adds flavor, the rice soaks it up, and the cheese ties it all together like a cozy blanket.

If you’re tired of complicated dishes, this one brings things back to basics: one skillet, one baking dish, and a meal everyone loves.

3) Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef so the dish stays rich but not greasy. You can switch it for turkey if you want something lighter.

Onion: A small onion brings depth. Chop it fine so it melts into the mix without overpowering it.

Garlic: Two cloves make all the difference. It’s a quiet hero in so many ground beef rice recipes.

Rice: Long-grain white rice cooks perfectly in the oven and soaks up the broth like a charm. It’s the glue that holds everything together.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives that classic casserole stretch. Half goes in, half goes on top for a golden crust.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: This makes the dish creamy and thick without extra fuss. It’s what turns rice and ground beef recipes into pure comfort food.

Beef Broth: It keeps the rice soft and adds a savory kick.

Paprika, Salt, and Pepper: These keep things balanced. Simple, but effective seasoning for any ground beef casserole recipes for dinner.

4) How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You’ll thank yourself later for the easy cleanup.

Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced onions for a few minutes until they soften. Then toss in garlic and stir until it smells incredible.

Step 3: Add the ground beef and cook until it browns. Drain off any excess grease to keep it from getting heavy.

Step 4: Mix in salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in the rice, letting it toast slightly in the hot pan—it brings out flavor.

Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and cream of mushroom soup. Stir everything together until it looks smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Add half the cheese, pour into your baking dish, and cover with foil. Bake for about 40 minutes.

Step 7: Remove the foil, top with the remaining cheese, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more until the cheese bubbles. Take it out, let it rest, and serve warm.

5) Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Cook the beef all the way before baking. It keeps the flavor deep and prevents extra grease from pooling in the dish. For a fun twist, try using ground turkey or chicken—both work well in ground turkey and rice recipes too.

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking. It helps the rice set and makes serving easier. If you like a crispy top, broil it for a minute at the end—but watch closely, cheese burns fast.

If you’re looking to sneak in some veggies, frozen peas or chopped spinach mix right in. They add color and a bit of texture without stealing the spotlight from the cheesy rice goodness.

6) Making Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Ahead of Time

I’m all for making life easier, and this casserole agrees. You can assemble it a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake when you’re ready. Just let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before popping it into the oven so it bakes evenly.

If you prefer to freeze it, that works too. Wrap it tightly with foil and store it for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight and bake as usual. It’s one of those Comfort Food Recipes that never fails, even on busy nights.

I’ve done this many times before a family visit, and it always feels like a magic trick—no stress, no last-minute panic, just a hot, cheesy meal when people walk through the door.

7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Leftovers never last long in my house, but when they do, I store them in airtight containers. They keep for up to four days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist and fluffy.

If you made a big batch, portion it out before refrigerating. That way, you’ve got grab-and-go lunches that taste even better the next day. It’s one of those rice and ground beef recipes that reheats like a dream.

You can also freeze single portions for up to two months. It’s perfect for days when cooking feels like too much work but you still want something real and homemade.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole