Name: Quick Ground Beef Recipes Cheesy Rice Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup uncooked white rice; 1 can cream of mushroom soup; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup beef broth; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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I’ve always had a soft spot for recipes that bring comfort without asking for hours of my life, and this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole checks all the boxes. It falls squarely under quick ground beef recipes, but it doesn’t stop there—it’s one of those rice and ground beef recipes that sneaks into your regular dinner rotation before you even realize it. Picture this: tender beef mingling with fluffy rice, all tied together with creamy cheese that melts into every corner of the pan. When I first made it, I thought of all the ground beef rice recipes my mom used to whip up on weeknights when she had about as much energy as a deflated balloon. This one carries the same spirit: hearty, unfussy, and something you can throw together while your kids ask for snacks every five minutes. I’ve tested enough Ground Beef Recipes to know when I’ve got a winner, and trust me, this one delivers. So if you’ve been hunting for recipes ground beef based or a recipe ground beef dish that doesn’t involve spaghetti again, this is your sign. This casserole may look humble, but it’s the kind of meal that tastes like you put in a lot more effort than you actually did—and I’m not telling anyone otherwise.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
4) How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
5) Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
6) Making Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is a hearty family favorite that pulls together comfort and ease. It fits right into quick ground beef recipes and makes busy weeknights calmer. With beef, rice, and creamy layers of cheese, it’s not only filling but also a dish that wins everyone over.

You’ll learn how a simple list of pantry staples can turn into something that feels like a hug on a plate. We’ll cover how to layer flavors, the importance of the bake, and small tweaks that make leftovers just as tasty the next day. Think of this section as your crash course in mastering casseroles.

In short, you get a meal that’s quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing. If you’ve ever searched for ground beef rice recipes or recipes ground beef dishes that don’t feel overdone, you’ve found your match.

2) Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

I love dinners that don’t make me hover in the kitchen like I’m guarding a treasure chest. This casserole gives you that freedom. Once it’s in the oven, you’ve got nearly an hour to breathe, fold some laundry, or sneak a few bites of chocolate while no one’s watching. The best part? It still tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

From the first bite, you get soft rice soaking up savory broth, beef browned with garlic and onion, and cheese that bubbles into golden pockets of goodness. Recipes ground beef often repeat themselves, but this one stands out because of its balance. It’s filling but not heavy, cheesy but not overwhelming. I’ve made a lot of Ground Beef Recipes, but few make the cut into my “must repeat soon” list like this one.

So whether you’re juggling a late workday, kids’ soccer practice, or just don’t feel like scrubbing pots, this recipe’s your friend. It’s dinner without drama, which is exactly what we all need sometimes.

3) Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ground Beef: A pound of ground beef makes this dish rich and satisfying. I like to choose lean beef, though a little fat adds flavor and keeps everything juicy. Brown it well for a deeper taste.

Rice: White rice works best, soaking up all the broth and creamy soups. Each grain swells with flavor, making the casserole comforting yet structured.

Cream Soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup give body and creaminess. They melt into the beef and rice, creating a sauce that holds it all together.

Cheddar Cheese: A full cup of shredded cheddar melts on top and bakes into a golden crust. The sharpness cuts through the cream, bringing balance.

Beef Broth: It cooks the rice right in the dish, adding savory notes that keep it moist. Broth beats water every time in casseroles.

Onion and Garlic: These basics do the heavy lifting for flavor. A quick sauté makes them mellow and sweet, the perfect base for beef.

Olive Oil: Just a splash helps soften the onion and garlic before adding the beef. It’s a small touch, but it matters.

Seasonings: Salt and pepper keep things simple. Add chili flakes if you like a kick.

Fresh Parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle adds a fresh lift and some color for serving.

4) How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks.

Step 2. Warm olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. This sets the stage for the beef.

Step 3. Add the ground beef, season lightly, and brown it. Drain extra grease to keep the casserole from being too heavy.

Step 4. Stir in the soups, broth, and rice. Mix until everything’s coated evenly. The rice will cook as it bakes, pulling flavor from the sauce.

Step 5. Transfer the mixture into the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 45 minutes. This lets the rice steam and cook through.

Step 6. Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for 10 minutes. The cheese melts into a bubbly crust.

Step 7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm. It’s a one-dish wonder you’ll keep coming back to.

5) Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Brown the beef properly. Give it time to caramelize and build flavor instead of rushing through. A good sear makes all the difference.

Use broth, not water. Broth infuses the rice with depth. That’s what makes this stand out compared to plain recipes ground beef often rely on.

Let it rest for a few minutes after baking. This keeps it from falling apart the second you scoop it out. The rice firms up and holds shape better.

6) Making Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Ahead of Time

You can prep this dish early in the day and pop it into the oven later. Mix everything together, cover it, and refrigerate until ready. It makes hosting easier when you don’t want last-minute stress.

For best results, wait to add the cheese until you’re ready to bake. That way, it melts perfectly instead of drying out in the fridge. Quick ground beef recipes like this one let you plan ahead without losing flavor.

If you freeze it, wrap tightly. Bake straight from frozen, adding 15 extra minutes. The rice and beef still cook tender, and you still get that cheesy finish.

7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days. Reheat in the oven so the cheese stays gooey and the rice warms evenly.

Microwave works too, but the oven gives the best texture. If it feels dry, stir in a splash of broth before reheating. That brings it back to life.

This dish often tastes better the next day as flavors meld. It’s one of those ground beef recipes you’ll want to eat for lunch and dinner until it’s gone.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe