Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
The Ultimate Comfort Food That Brings Everyone to the Table
Some meals don’t need an introduction. They walk into the room ahead of you, filling the kitchen with familiar, comforting aromas that instantly make people hungry.
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is one of those meals.
It’s not fancy.
It’s not complicated.
But it’s dependable, satisfying, and deeply comforting—the kind of dish that has fed families for generations and still shows up on dinner tables when life feels busy, cold, or overwhelming.
This casserole is built on simple ingredients, layered with flavor, and baked until bubbling and golden. It’s the kind of recipe you make once and keep forever.
Why This Casserole Never Goes Out of Style
There’s a reason casseroles remain beloved.
They are:
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Affordable
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Filling
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Easy to prepare
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Forgiving
This dish, in particular, hits all the right notes:
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Savory seasoned ground beef
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Tender rice that absorbs flavor
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Creamy sauce binding everything together
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Melted cheese that pulls it all into one irresistible bite
It’s comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients Overview
This recipe uses everyday pantry staples, making it perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Core Ingredients
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Ground beef
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Long-grain white rice
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Onion
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Garlic
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Beef broth
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Cream of mushroom soup (or homemade substitute)
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Cheddar cheese
Seasonings
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Paprika
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Optional Italian seasoning or dried parsley
Optional Add-Ins
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Bell peppers
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Frozen peas or corn
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Mushrooms
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Sour cream
This recipe welcomes customization.
Choosing the Right Ground Beef
For best results, use:
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80/20 ground beef for flavor
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Or 85/15 for a slightly lighter version
Too lean, and the casserole may taste dry. Too fatty, and it can feel greasy.
Always drain excess fat after browning.
Rice: The Backbone of the Dish
Long-grain white rice works best because it:
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Absorbs liquid evenly
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Stays fluffy
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Doesn’t become mushy
Avoid instant or parboiled rice unless adjusting liquid amounts.
You can also use:
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Brown rice (with extra liquid and time)
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Jasmine or basmati for subtle flavor
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat:
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Add ground beef
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Cook until browned
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Add chopped onion and garlic
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Season with salt, pepper, and paprika
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Drain excess grease
This is where the base flavor develops.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix:
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Cooked beef mixture
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Uncooked rice
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Beef broth
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Cream of mushroom soup
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Half of the shredded cheese
Stir until evenly combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a baking dish.
Pour in the mixture and spread evenly. Cover tightly with foil—this traps steam so the rice cooks properly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for:
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45–50 minutes covered
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Remove foil, add remaining cheese
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Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes
The casserole is done when the rice is tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let It Rest
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Why the Cheese Matters
Cheese is more than just a topping here—it’s a binder.
Best cheese choices:
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Sharp cheddar
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Colby-Jack
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Monterey Jack
Shred it yourself if possible; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melt quality.
Texture and Flavor Balance
A great casserole balances:
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Creaminess from soup and cheese
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Structure from rice
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Savory depth from beef
Taste before baking and adjust seasoning. Casseroles amplify flavor as they bake.
Easy Variations
Mexican-Style
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Add taco seasoning
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Use pepper jack cheese
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Top with cilantro
Southern-Style
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Add cooked bacon
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Use cream of chicken soup
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Finish with crushed crackers
Veggie-Boosted
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Stir in peas, carrots, or spinach
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Add mushrooms for depth
Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions
Make Ahead
Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 10–15 minutes to baking time.
Freeze
Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
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Reheat in oven or microwave
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Add a splash of broth if dry
Why Families Love This Dish
This casserole:
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Feeds many
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Reheats beautifully
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Uses affordable ingredients
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Feels like home
It’s often tied to memories—weeknight dinners, potlucks, or handwritten recipe cards.
Nutrition Notes
While indulgent, this dish can be adjusted:
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Use lean beef
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Swap in brown rice
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Add vegetables
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Reduce cheese slightly
Comfort and balance can coexist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not covering during initial bake
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Using too little liquid
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Forgetting to season
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Overbaking uncovered
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Skipping the rest time
Why Casseroles Matter
Casseroles aren’t about perfection.
They’re about:
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Feeding people
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Using what you have
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Creating warmth
This dish embodies all of that.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is more than a recipe—it’s a solution.
A solution for:
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Busy nights
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Hungry families
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Tight budgets
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Comfort cravings
It proves that simple food, made with care, still matters.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
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