Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

I still remember the first time I made this cheesy ground beef rice casserole – it was one of those long weekdays when I wanted something hearty and comforting that wouldn’t take all evening. I had leftover rice in the fridge and a pound of ground beef ready to go so I decided to get creative and layer everything into a warm bubbling dish of cheesy goodness and it absolutely hit the spot.

Now it’s one of those go-to meals that I make whenever the weather cools down or when I want a guaranteed family pleaser because it always disappears fast and my kids even ask for seconds which isn’t always the case with casseroles. And the best part is how flexible it is so I can tweak the veggies or cheese depending on what I have on hand.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Ground beef – Brings heartiness and depth to the casserole
• Cooked white rice – A fluffy base that soaks up all the flavors
• Cream of mushroom soup – Adds creaminess and a savory note
• Onion – For flavor and a little bit of texture
• Bell pepper – Adds a mild sweetness and color
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully and creates that golden top
• Garlic powder – Brings a mild kick of warmth
• Salt – Enhances the overall taste
• Black pepper – For a little bit of spice
• Olive oil – Helps sauté the veggies and beef

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet – To cook the ground beef and sauté the veggies
• Mixing bowl – For combining everything before baking
• Spatula or wooden spoon – To stir and combine ingredients
• Casserole dish – The baking vessel that brings it all together
• Oven – To cook and melt everything into bubbly perfection
• Cheese grater – If you’re shredding your cheese fresh (which I recommend!)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I begin by preheating my oven to 375°F which gives me just enough time to prep everything else while it heats up.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat I brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked then I drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet I add a splash of olive oil and toss in the diced onions and bell peppers then I cook them until they’re soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

In a big mixing bowl I combine the cooked rice browned beef sautéed veggies cream of mushroom soup garlic powder salt and pepper. I stir everything until it’s nicely mixed.

Step 5: Layer and Cheese It

I pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish then I top it generously with shredded cheddar cheese because the cheesier the better!

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

I bake it uncovered for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Let It Rest

I always let it sit for 5-10 minutes after baking so it sets a bit and is easier to slice and serve.

Tips

If I’m short on time I use instant rice but cooked rice always gives a better texture

Sometimes I stir in frozen peas or corn for extra color and nutrition

I’ve also tried it with cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom and it works just as well

For extra spice I add a dash of cayenne or a few red pepper flakes

Leftovers taste even better the next day so don’t be afraid to double the batch

Ways to Serve

I love serving it with a simple side salad or steamed green beans to lighten things up

It’s perfect on its own but also delicious with a slice of warm garlic bread

For a fun twist I’ve even used it as a filling inside bell peppers and baked those too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze cheesy ground beef rice casserole?

Yes! You can freeze it either before or after baking just make sure it’s tightly wrapped and use within 2-3 months.

Can I make cheesy ground beef rice casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often prep it in the morning cover and refrigerate then bake it just before dinner.

How do I keep cheesy ground beef rice casserole from getting soggy?

Use fully cooked and slightly cooled rice and make sure to drain the beef well so there’s not too much moisture going into the dish.

What kind of cheese works best in cheesy ground beef rice casserole?

Sharp cheddar is my favorite but Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses also works beautifully.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this cheesy ground beef rice casserole soon because it’s one of those meals that’s easy to make and satisfying for everyone at the table. Let me know how yours turns out and don’t forget to save the recipe for those nights when comfort food is calling.

Happy Cooking!

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