There’s something downright comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes — creamy, savory, and just the right amount of cheesy goodness. It’s exactly the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

The dish in a white bowl shows a mix of two main layers: at the bottom, a layer of cooked light brown ground meat mixed with white rice grains, and on top, a melted layer of bright orange cheddar cheese with a glossy texture. Scattered evenly over the top are fresh green chopped herbs adding pops of color. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface next to a beige cloth, with two gold spoons placed in the upper left corner. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this casserole has saved dinner time at my house. The blend of juicy ground beef, cheesy rice, and creamy sauce is pure comfort food magic — and it’s so simple to pull together, you’ll want to make it your go-to.

One-dish wonder: Everything cooks together in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Family-friendly: Even my pickiest eaters ask for seconds, thanks to the cheesy, mild flavors.
Flexible ingredients: Use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup depending on what you have in your pantry.
Make-ahead friendly: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together simple, everyday ingredients that complement each other perfectly—the creamy soup and cheese add just the right moisture and richness to the beef and rice, making sure every bite is flavorful and comforting.

Flat lay of lean ground beef shaped loosely, a small diced onion in a neat pile, two peeled garlic cloves minced finely arranged nearby, a white ceramic bowl filled with fluffy cooked white rice, a small white bowl holding creamy beige mushroom soup, a small white bowl with fresh milk, a mound of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, a small white bowl containing deep red paprika powder, a few sprigs of fresh green parsley arranged delicately, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean ground beef: I prefer lean to avoid excess grease, but a little fat makes it more flavorful.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth; make sure it’s diced small so it cooks evenly.
Garlic: Just a couple cloves bring a nice aroma and boost the savory flavor.
Cooked white rice: Use leftover rice or freshly cooked; it needs to be fluffy, not sticky.
Cream of mushroom or chicken soup: Acts as the creamy binder—cream of mushroom adds earthiness, while chicken keeps it lighter.
Milk or beef broth: Thins the soup slightly for a saucier casserole; broth adds a savory punch.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild, shredded cheese melts beautifully and gives that gooey, cheesy top everyone loves.
Paprika: Just a teaspoon adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, so don’t skip or underestimate them.
Optional parsley: Fresh parsley brightens and adds a pop of color when sprinkled on top before serving.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Personally, I love adding a bit of diced bell pepper or even some corn for a touch of sweetness and extra texture. Feel free to swap in brown rice or different cheeses depending on what you have at home—that’s what makes this recipe a keeper.

Variation: Once I added a handful of frozen peas right into the beef mixture before assembling—it added a nice pop of color and freshness that my family enjoyed.
Diet swap: For a lighter version, I’ve used ground turkey instead of beef, and it still came out tender and flavorful.
Spicy twist: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or a dash of cayenne when cooking the beef.
Cheese options: Mixing cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack creates a gooier, milder blend if you want to tone down the sharpness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

A white bowl filled with a mix of cooked white rice and browned ground meat evenly mixed throughout, topped with melted golden yellow cheese and sprinkled with small pieces of green parsley. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a dark wooden surface with a white cloth in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onion

I start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then cooking the lean ground beef with diced onion. Stirring regularly helps to break up the meat and cook evenly. The key here is to let the onion get soft and translucent without burning—this gives the casserole a wonderful base flavor. Once browned, I drain off excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Add Garlic for a Burst of Aroma

Next, I toss in the minced garlic and cook it just for about 30 seconds. Garlic burns quickly, so you want to keep an eye on it and stir constantly. That brief cook time releases its wonderful aroma without turning bitter.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce

While the beef mixture cools slightly, I whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or beef broth, paprika, and some salt and pepper in a separate bowl. This sauce is the magic glue that brings the casserole to life—making it creamy without being heavy. The paprika adds an unexpected depth and lovely color I always appreciate.

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Baking Dish

In my lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish, I mix the cooked rice, ground beef mixture, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the creamy sauce until everything is nicely combined. Getting an even distribution is important here so every bite has a bit of each component.

Step 5: Top with Cheese & Bake

I sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top, then cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in. Baking at 350°F for 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through without drying out. Then I remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes—this is when the cheese gets bubbly and golden, which is hands down my favorite moment.

Step 6: Optional Broil for Extra Crispy Cheese

If I’m feeling fancy (or just craving that golden crust), I’ll pop the casserole under the broiler for the last 2 minutes. Watch closely here so it doesn’t burn—just enough time to create a crunchy, cheesy topping that’s absolutely irresistible.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, I sprinkle on some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. And that’s it—you’ve got a cozy, cheesy meal ready to enjoy!

Top Tip

From my many times making this casserole, I've learned a few tricks that help it come out perfect every time—simple things that make a big difference in flavor and texture.

Don’t skip draining the beef: Removing excess fat prevents the casserole from being greasy and keeps the flavors balanced.
Use freshly cooked rice: While leftover rice works, freshly made rice that's slightly cooled prevents clumping and makes for a fluffier casserole.
Let it rest: After baking, letting the casserole sit for about 5 minutes helps it set up, making it easier to serve without falling apart.
Watch the broil: Broiling is optional but adds great texture—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t go from golden to burnt in seconds.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this casserole with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—it adds just enough freshness and brightens the deep cheesy flavors. Sometimes, I also add a little dash of hot sauce at the table for those who like a kick.

Side Dishes

Because this dish is hearty on its own, I like to pair it with a light, crisp salad—something with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted or steamed green beans also make a great, simple side that’s ready in no time.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a tiny sprig of fresh thyme or oregano. It makes for a cute, elegant presentation that impresses guests but still feels homey and comforting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating works best in the oven or microwave with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. I like to freeze it in portions—just skip the final cheese topping before freezing and add it fresh when you’re ready to bake or reheat. It keeps for up to 3 months frozen.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil at 350°F until hot, about 20 minutes depending on portion size. For quicker reheating, microwave for a couple of minutes, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist and prevent the rice from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can definitely swap in brown rice. Just keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook, so make sure it is fully cooked and slightly cooled before mixing it in the casserole. It will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber to the dish.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup works great as a substitute and gives a slightly different but delicious flavor. For a homemade option, mix a simple white sauce (béchamel) with mushrooms or chicken broth.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

To make the casserole dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free cheese alternative and substitute the cheese with vegan shredded cheese. Also, swap the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Ensure your soup choice is dairy-free or make a homemade substitute.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

To avoid sogginess, don’t add too much liquid in the sauce and be sure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef. Using fluffy, cooked rice rather than sticky rice helps too. Baking covered initially locks in moisture, but uncovering it towards the end allows the top to crisp nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something deeply comforting that’s also quick and simple. It reminds me of cozy family dinners and has become a staple in my recipe rotation. I hope you love making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s truly a fuss-free, delicious meal that feels like home. Grab your ingredients and give it a try; I promise it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!