Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole - Ground Beef Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked; 2 cups beef broth; 1 small onion, diced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Let’s face it—weeknight dinners can be a scramble. I’ve had days when I open the fridge, stare at the random bits of leftovers and think, “Am I supposed to create magic out of this?” That’s how this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole came to life. We’re talking rich, melty cheese, perfectly seasoned beef, and tender rice all cozied up together in one warm, comforting dish. It’s that no-fuss, feel-good kind of meal that practically cooks itself. This is the type of recipe I come back to when the kids are hungry, the dog’s barking, and I need something on the table that everyone will actually eat. It’s reliable. It’s flexible. And it just tastes like home. You don’t need fancy ingredients or a culinary degree—just a skillet, a baking dish, and about 40 minutes. Plus, it’s one of those meals that fits almost any mood or season. Whether you’re serving it up at a summer potluck or spooning it into bowls during a quiet night in, it never feels out of place. And leftovers? They’re even better the next day. That’s the magic of easy summer ground beef recipes, right?

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

1) Key Takeaways

Perfect one-pan dinner using pantry staples
Comfort food loaded with beef, cheese, and rice
Easy to prep, great for weeknight meals or leftovers
Customizable with veggies or different cheese blends

2) Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

This recipe has been my secret weapon on more than one chaotic Tuesday. I’d get home, shoes still on, kids asking what’s for dinner before I’ve even put down my keys—and boom. This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole saves the day. It leans on a few reliable kitchen staples, takes just under an hour, and tastes like something that required hours of love (and dishes).

It starts with ground beef, which many of us always seem to have stashed away in the freezer. From there, it’s a symphony of rice, creamy soup, a bit of broth, and a generous layer of sharp cheddar. I stir in garlic powder and paprika for that little extra something, and then it all goes into the oven to become something greater than the sum of its parts. Think lasagna comfort but way less fuss. The texture lands somewhere between creamy and hearty, and the melted cheese on top? Golden. Irresistible.

Ground beef recipes like this are why I always keep ground beef in the fridge. I’ve used it for summer ground beef recipes and weeknight dinners when the day just got away from me. Whether you’re looking for a solid recipe for ground beef or easy crockpot recipes with ground beef to adapt later, this dish delivers. Even my pickiest eater asked for seconds, which says a lot.

3) Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ground Beef: One pound of ground beef adds savory depth and protein. I like to use 85/15 for the right balance of flavor and minimal grease.

White Rice: I use long grain white rice, uncooked. It holds up well and soaks in all the broth beautifully while baking.

Beef Broth: Two cups bring in moisture and enhance the richness of the beef. You can use low-sodium if you’re watching salt.

Onion: A small diced onion helps lift the flavor profile. I sauté it with olive oil to mellow it out and build the base.

Garlic Powder: Just a teaspoon brings out that homey, warm flavor. You could swap it with fresh garlic if that’s your thing.

Paprika: A teaspoon of paprika gives a smoky undertone without overpowering the rest.

Salt and Pepper: Adjust to your taste, but don’t skip the seasoning. It’s what ties the ingredients together.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: One 10.5-ounce can brings creaminess. It’s the backbone of that cozy, casserole texture.

Cheddar Cheese: I use a cup and a half of shredded sharp cheddar. It melts best and gives that unmistakable cheesy crown on top.

Olive Oil: A couple tablespoons help cook down the onion and keep the beef from sticking.

Fresh Parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle adds freshness right at the end. And let’s be honest—it makes the plate look good too.

4) How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with a touch of oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Toss in the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about five minutes.

Step 3. Add the ground beef. Brown it while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain the grease if there’s too much in the pan.

Step 4. Sprinkle in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and let those flavors settle into the meat for a minute.

Step 5. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the uncooked rice. Once it starts to simmer, turn off the heat.

Step 6. Mix in the can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir until everything is coated evenly.

Step 7. Spoon the mixture into your prepared dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 35 minutes.

Step 8. Take it out, remove the foil, sprinkle that glorious cheddar cheese over the top, and slide it back in for another 5 to 10 minutes until melted and bubbling.

Step 9. Let it rest for five minutes, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot. It’s a hug in casserole form.