Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is one of those timeless recipes that evokes warmth and nostalgia. It combines hearty ingredients for a comforting dish your entire family will rave about. I often whip it up when I have a busy week ahead, knowing it’s not only quick to prepare but also satisfies hungry appetites without breaking the bank. Plus, the melty cheddar cheese on top? Pure bliss.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are a multitude of reasons why this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole deserves a spot in your meal rotation. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for those hectic weeknights when you crave something comforting yet nutritious. With just one baking dish to clean, this recipe also saves you time and hassle in the kitchen.
What makes this dish particularly special is its versatility. You can easily adapt it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. This casserole is not only budget-friendly but also kid-approved, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or potlucks. Imagine serving a hot, bubbling dish that everyone dives into, leaving only empty plates behind!
"This casserole has quickly become a family favorite! It’s creamy, cheesy, and the perfect comfort food for busy nights. I love how easy it is to throw together!" — A Satisfied Home Cook
How this recipe comes together
Preparing Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. You’ll start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet. While that’s happening, you can mix together the remaining ingredients, making it a smooth and efficient cooking experience. Next, simply combine everything in one baking dish, top it with cheese, and let the oven do the rest. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Gather these items
To make this delightful casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor, such as cream of chicken, or add some fresh vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
To serve your Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole, consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad or some steamed green vegetables to balance out the richness. Cornbread or garlic bread also complement the flavors beautifully. You can even add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch.
How to store & freeze
To keep your leftovers fresh, make sure to allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing individual portions, which can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure it’s heated thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Helpful cooking tips
- For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing some onions and bell peppers with the ground beef.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- For a gourmet touch, incorporate a blend of cheeses or experiment with your favorite spices.
Creative twists
There are plenty of creative variations you can try with this dish! Consider mixing in some cooked bacon, or opt for a different protein like turkey or ground chicken. For a vegetarian take, use lentils or beans in place of ground beef and add more vegetables to the mix.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare?
This recipe typically takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to bake, so you can have dinner on the table in under an hour!
Can I use brown rice instead?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll want to ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.
Is it safe to reheat leftovers multiple times?
It’s best to reheat only the portion you plan to eat, as reheating multiple times can lead to food safety issues. Always aim to heat leftovers to at least 165°F (74°C).
Now that you have the scoop on Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! This dish promises the comfort and satisfaction that every home cook desires, making it a must-try recipe for your next dinner.
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef Cooked until browned
- 2 cups cooked white rice Use leftover rice or fresh cooked
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup Can substitute with cream of chicken
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese Divided into two portions
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef with the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
