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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

calendar_today February 21, 2026 schedule 1 min read

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Prep

20 minutes

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Cook

60 minutes

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Rest

5 minutes

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Servings

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Calories

450 kcal

A hearty and comforting casserole made with ground beef, rice, and a creamy cheese sauce.

restaurant_menu Ingredients format_list_numbered Instructions

restaurant_menu Ingredients

Servings

Main Ingredients

check Ground beef - 1 lb check Onion - 1 small, finely chopped check Garlic - 2 cloves, minced check Long grain white rice - 1 cup, uncooked check Beef broth - 2½ cups check Cream of mushroom soup - 1 (10.5 oz) can check Cream of cheddar soup - 1 (10.5 oz) can check Cheddar cheese - 1½ cups, shredded check Sour cream - ½ cup check Worcestershire sauce - 1 tsp check Paprika - ½ tsp check Salt & pepper - To taste check Parsley - Optional, for garnish

hardware Essential Tools

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9x13-inch baking dish

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Large skillet

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Large mixing bowl

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Aluminum foil

format_list_numbered Preparation

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onion until beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat and add garlic; cook for 1 minute.

In a large bowl, mix beef mixture with uncooked rice, broth, soups, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Pour mixture into prepared dish and cover tightly with foil.

Bake covered for 50–60 minutes, until rice is tender. Remove foil.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly on top and bake uncovered for 10 minutes, until melted and bubbly.

Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

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Try These Variations

Mexican-Inspired Casserole

Add a packet of taco seasoning to the ground beef while browning. Mix in a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, and top with a blend of Mexican cheeses.

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken for a lighter version.

Vegetarian Casserole

Replace the ground beef with lentils or crumbled plant-based meat substitute. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.

Spicy Casserole

Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

Chef's Pro Tips

Use lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat.

Taste and adjust seasonings before baking.

Don’t overcook the rice; it should be tender but not mushy.

Storage Guide

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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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Freeze for longer storage (up to 2 months).

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Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator before reheating.

Avoid These Mistakes

✕ Forgetting to drain excess fat from the ground beef.

✕ Overcooking the rice before baking.

✕ Not covering the casserole during initial baking.

nutrition Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 1 serving

450 kcal Calories

30g Protein

25g Fat

30g Carbohydrates

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

flag Conclusion

This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. With simple ingredients and customizable options, it’s sure to become a new favorite.

sell Related Topics

#ground beef casserole #rice casserole #easy casserole recipe #comfort food #weeknight dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? expand_more

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Add an extra ½ cup of beef broth and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? expand_more

Yes, assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I add different vegetables to this casserole? expand_more

Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, peas, or corn. Add them when you combine the ingredients in the mixing bowl.

What kind of cheese is best for this casserole? expand_more

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses.

Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup? expand_more

Yes, cream of chicken soup is a great substitute for cream of mushroom soup. It will give the casserole a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious.

Is this casserole gluten-free? expand_more

This casserole can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free cream of mushroom and cream of cheddar soups and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I make this casserole without sour cream? expand_more

Yes, you can omit the sour cream or substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor.