Let me tell you about a go-to dinner that’s simple, filling, and rich in flavor: cheesy ground beef rice casserole. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate. I first stumbled on this recipe when I wanted something quick but satisfying after a long day. The cheesy goodness mixed with juicy ground beef and fluffy rice hits every comfort food note.
When you make this cheesy ground beef rice casserole, you get a mix of textures and flavors that work so well together. Plus, it’s easy to whip up with pantry staples and tastes even better the next day. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make this your family’s new favorite.
Ingredients List
For this cheesy ground beef rice casserole, I like to keep the ingredient list straightforward but flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean but not too dry)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Keep the onion diced small so it cooks evenly and blends well with the beef. Drain the tomatoes well; too much juice can make the casserole soupy. Using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives you that creamy melt and a nice sharp bite.
PrintCheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe
Try this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe with 5 layers of rich flavors that satisfy hunger and warm your soul
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean but not too dry)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together cooked beef, drained diced tomatoes, rinsed rice, beef broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until evenly mixed.
- Pour half the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
- Add the rest of the beef-rice mixture, then evenly top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or until rice is tender and cheese is bubbly and golden at the edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
A simple, filling, and flavorful cheesy ground beef rice casserole that combines juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into a warm, comforting dish perfect for family dinners.
How to Prepare Instructions
Let me take you through making the cheesy ground beef rice casserole step-by-step. It’s easier than you think, and I promise the flavor is worth every bit of effort.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your casserole the perfect bake temperature.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic first. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened—don’t rush; this builds your flavor base.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until it’s browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This stops it from being sticky after baking.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together cooked beef, drained diced tomatoes, rinsed rice, beef broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to distribute everything evenly.
- Layer the casserole: Pour half the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top. Add the rest of the beef-rice mix, then evenly top with the remaining cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden at the edges. Make sure to check doneness by tasting the rice; it should be soft but not mushy.
- Take it out and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to cut portions.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on your casserole near the end to avoid over-browning, especially if your oven runs hot. If the cheese is browning too fast and the rice is still underdone, tent the dish loosely with foil.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
- It’s a one-dish meal with protein, carbs, and cheese all in one.
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spices.
- Comforting flavors that appeal to the whole family.
- Great for making ahead and reheats beautifully.
- Budget-friendly using simple pantry staples.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sometimes you want to tweak a recipe, so here are a few notes on swapping ingredients in this cheesy ground beef rice casserole.
- Ground beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just watch the cooking time—they tend to cook faster.
- Rice: Use brown rice if you prefer whole grain, but increase liquid and baking time to about 60 minutes because brown rice takes longer to cook.
- Cheese: Feel free to swap cheddar and mozzarella for pepper jack or a blend with Monterey Jack to add a little kick.
- Broth: Beef broth adds depth, but chicken broth or vegetable broth works fine.
- Tomatoes: If you want less moisture, diced tomatoes with green chilies can add a little spice, or swap for tomato sauce if you prefer a smoother texture.
Remember, simple substitutions can change the character of the dish, so it’s fun to experiment till you find your perfect combo.
Tips for Success with Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
- Don’t skip rinsing the rice—this helps keep the texture just right.
- Drain your cooked ground beef well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Let the casserole rest after baking. It gives the rice time to absorb any extra liquid.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the casserole into neat squares. A serrated knife works wonders here.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
I’ve found that letting the casserole sit a bit before serving makes the flavors blend better and keeps each slice intact. Trust me, those cheesy edges are the best!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This cheesy ground beef rice casserole is a great make-ahead meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions on medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Just cover loosely to avoid drying out.
Make sure to cool the casserole completely before refrigerating to avoid sogginess.
Nutrition Disclaimer
The nutritional content of this cheesy ground beef rice casserole varies based on the exact brands and quantities of ingredients you use. For an accurate count, please calculate nutrition based on your own measurements and products. This recipe does not provide precise nutritional values.
FAQs
Can I make this cheesy ground beef rice casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking step and keep it covered in the fridge for a day before baking. Just add some extra baking time if it’s chilled straight from the fridge.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe dish that size?
You can use two smaller dishes or even a deep skillet if it’s oven-safe. Just adjust the baking time slightly, checking when the rice is tender.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas work well. Add them after sautéing the onions and garlic to soften before mixing everything together.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes. Cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How do I keep the casserole from being soggy?
Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes thoroughly and rinse your rice before mixing. Also, don’t overdo the liquid. Beef broth works best because it adds flavor without extra moisture.
