Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe for All

Comfort arrives with this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole that promises pure deliciousness.

Home kitchens buzz with excitement over hearty meals like these.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical on your dinner plate.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Families love how easily this dish comes together with minimal effort.

Melted cheese blankets seasoned beef and fluffy rice in a warm embrace.

You’ll find yourself craving every single bite of this classic comfort food.

Dig into a meal that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

Why Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Is So Filling

• Craft a Comforting One-Pot Wonder: This casserole combines ground beef, rice, and cheese in a single dish, eliminating multiple pots and pans for an easy cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Packed with familiar flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a breeze.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey for beef or add extra vegetables to personalize the recipe to your family's taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned tomatoes creates a delicious dinner that won't break the bank.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides essential protein for the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Add depth of flavor and aromatic complexity to the ground beef mixture.

• Rice: Creates a comforting and filling foundation for the casserole.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and rich meaty flavor to cook the rice.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and a slight tangy brightness to the dish.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang to the casserole.

• Italian Seasoning: Brings a classic herb blend that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, melty topping that creates a golden and delicious crust.

How to Prepare Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Protein and Aromatics

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic

Cook everything over medium heat, breaking up the meat until it’s nicely browned.

Drain away any extra fat.

Step 3: Create a Flavorful Base

• Rice
• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice absorbs all the liquid and becomes tender.

Step 4: Add Creamy Goodness

• Sour cream
• Half of the cheddar cheese

Stir until everything is well combined and looking super delicious.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a gorgeous melty finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then dig in and savor every cheesy, hearty bite!

Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier casserole.
• Swap white rice with brown rice for added fiber and nutritional benefits.
• Add diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables to boost vegetable content and nutrition.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt intake and enhance overall dish healthiness.

Variations to Customize Beef and Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, use vegetable broth, and keep cheese for protein-rich meal.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Swap rice with riced cauliflower, maintain all other ingredients for a keto-friendly version.
• Spicy Mexican Style: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, top with pepper jack cheese for zesty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free, use gluten-free rice, and keep all other ingredients consistent.

What to Serve with Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the beef and cheese casserole.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the heavy, creamy texture of the casserole and add a light, refreshing element to the meal.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy contrast to the soft, cheesy rice and beef mixture.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots with olive oil and herbs to bring color, nutrition, and a slight char to complement the casserole's richness.

Best Storage Practices for Beef and Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking liquid and time since brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking period.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, opt for low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value.

• What can I do if I don't have beef broth?

Chicken broth or water with a bouillon cube work perfectly as substitutes for beef broth in this recipe.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this ground beef and rice casserole, where melted cheese blankets savory meat and fluffy rice in a hearty one-pan wonder. Families will devour this classic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains, Liquids, and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (200 grams) long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Sauté ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until meat turns golden brown and crumbles completely.
3. Drain excess grease from the skillet, then mix in uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, then lower heat, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice absorbs all liquid and becomes tender.
5. Remove from heat and fold in sour cream, blending thoroughly to create a creamy texture.
6. Sprinkle half the cheddar cheese into the beef and rice mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.
7. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it smoothly with a spatula.
8. Scatter remaining cheese across the top of the casserole, creating an even layer.
9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
10. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish without compromising flavor.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove extra starch and ensure fluffy, separate grains in the casserole.
• For a gluten-free version, confirm all ingredients like beef broth are certified gluten-free and substitute regular cheese with gluten-free alternatives.
• Consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture variation in the casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg