This recipe is seriously addictive—one bite and your family will be asking for it every single week
Few meals feel as comforting as a golden, bubbling casserole straight from the oven. This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish—hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly simple. Using everyday pantry staples, it comes together quickly for a stress-free dinner, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
I discovered this recipe on a night when time was short and the fridge was nearly empty. With ground beef, leftover rice, and a couple of canned soups, the casserole was ready in under an hour—and instantly became a family favorite. Budget-friendly, filling, and endlessly adaptable, it’s one of those recipes you’ll make again and again.
Creamy cheese, tender rice, and savory beef combine into spoonfuls that are familiar, satisfying, and kid-approved. Freezer-friendly and customizable, this casserole is a lifesaver for busy cooks. Serve with a crisp salad or steamed veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal.
🥘 Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb | |
| Onion | 1 small, finely chopped | |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | |
| Long grain white rice | 1 cup, uncooked | |
| Beef broth (or water + bouillon) | 2½ cups | |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can | |
| Cream of cheddar soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can | Substitute cream of chicken if preferred |
| Cheddar cheese | 1½ cups, shredded | Divided |
| Sour cream | ½ cup | |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tsp | |
| Paprika | ½ tsp | |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | |
| Parsley, chopped | Optional | For garnish |
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat, then add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix beef mixture with uncooked rice, broth, soups, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble Casserole
- Pour mixture into prepared dish and cover tightly with foil.
5. Bake
- Bake covered for 50–60 minutes, until rice is tender. Remove foil.
6. Add Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly on top and bake uncovered for 10 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
7. Serve
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
✨ Hearty, cheesy, and comforting—this casserole turns hectic nights into cozy family dinners.
