There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy casserole that hugs you from the inside out. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly that kind of comfort food — easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for cozying up on any night of the week.

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with three main visible layers: the bottom layer is cooked white rice mixed evenly with small pieces of browned cooked ground meat, the middle layer is melted cheddar cheese that is spread throughout, creating a soft, gooey, orange texture, and the top layer is a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh green parsley scattered over the dish. Two gold spoons rest in the upper left corner on the white marbled surface, and a light beige cloth is partially visible under the bowl. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I keep coming back to this casserole because it’s exactly what I want from a weeknight meal — simple, comforting, and reliably delicious. It has that perfect combo of cheesy goodness and hearty beef that always hits the spot.

One-dish wonder: You get protein, carbs, and creamy cheese all baked in one dish — minimal mess and cleanup!
Family-friendly flavors: Mild enough for picky eaters, but satisfying for adults too.
Flexible ingredients: Easy to swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken or use broth instead of milk.
Make-ahead magic: Great for meal prepping or sealing leftovers for a quick reheat later.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here has a role that ensures the casserole turns out creamy, flavorful, and comforting. The mix of beef, rice, and cheese is an unbeatable trio, and the soup acts as a simple, rich binder to bring everything together.

Flat lay of fresh lean ground beef formed into a natural mound, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely diced small onion, two peeled garlic cloves whole but unchopped, a simple white ceramic bowl holding fluffy cooked white rice, another small white ceramic bowl with creamy smooth mushroom soup, a white ceramic bowl containing fresh milk, a neat pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red paprika powder, a few grains of coarse sea salt and black peppercorns scattered elegantly, and a small bunch of fresh chopped parsley on a plain white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and flavor without excess grease when drained properly.
Diced onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
Minced garlic: A small pop of savory flavor that enhances the whole casserole.
Cooked white rice: The hearty base that soaks up the creamy sauce and cheese perfectly.
Cream of mushroom soup: Acts as the rich, creamy binder that keeps everything moist—but cream of chicken works just as well.
Milk or beef broth: Thins out the soup to create the right saucy consistency.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheese is king here — part folded into the filling and extra on top for that irresistible melt and golden crust.
Paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth and color — you can adjust based on how bold you want it.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together just right.
Optional parsley: Freshness and a pop of green color to brighten the finished dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this casserole depending on what’s in my pantry or what mood I’m in. You can easily swap ingredients or add extras to make it your own — that’s part of the fun!

Variation: Sometimes I mix in a handful of frozen peas or chopped bell peppers for a little veggie boost — it sneaks in some color and freshness without changing the cozy vibe.
Dietary tweaks: Use cauliflower rice and a low-fat cheese option to lighten it up, or swap beef for ground turkey when you want something leaner.
Make it spicy: A pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce mixed into the sauce gives it a bit of a kick if you like things lively.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

A white bowl filled with a layered dish starting with cooked rice on the bottom, mixed evenly with browned ground meat. On top, melted yellow cheese is spread irregularly, giving a smooth and creamy texture in patches. Small green parsley pieces are scattered all over, adding a fresh touch of color. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, angled upward from the back right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft fabric in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the beef and soften onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and diced onion. Let the beef brown nicely without stirring too often—that helps develop flavor. Cook until the onions are translucent and the meat is cooked through, then drain any excess fat. This step locks in the savory base that makes all the difference.

Step 2: Add garlic for that aroma boost

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye - you want that sweet roasted garlic smell, not a bitter note!

Step 3: Whisk together the creamy sauce

In a small bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. This sauce is what ties every ingredient together, creating that luscious, creamy texture we all crave in a casserole.

Step 4: Layer it all in the baking dish

In your greased baking dish, mix the cooked rice, beef mixture, half of the shredded cheddar, and the sauce until everything is evenly coated. Spreading this mixture out ensures every bite is full of flavor.

Step 5: Top with cheese and bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on the surface. Cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden delicious.

Step 6: (Optional) Broil for crispy cheese

If you want a little crispy cheese crust like I do, pop the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes—just watch closely so it doesn't burn. This small step adds so much texture and appeal.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness, then serve steaming hot. Trust me, the aroma alone will get everyone to the table quickly!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found a few tricks that really help this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe shine. These little insights can save you time and elevate your results.

Drain the beef well: Even lean ground beef releases fat. Draining it prevents a greasy casserole and keeps the flavors balanced.
Use freshly cooked rice: Avoid using day-old or refrigerated rice here—it tends to dry out the casserole. Fresh rice blends best with the sauce.
Foil cover timing: Cover during the first part of baking to trap moisture, but always remove the foil toward the end to brown that cheesy top beautifully.
Don’t skip the broiler step: It’s optional but trust me, the extra crispiness adds a restaurant-quality touch that’s worth the few minutes.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

cheesy ground beef casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with freshly chopped parsley—it adds a nice pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness just a little. If I’m feeling fancy, a spoonful of sour cream on top complements the creaminess well.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is pretty filling on its own, I like pairing it with crisp green salads, steamed green beans, or even roasted broccoli for some extra veggies. A crusty roll on the side doesn’t hurt either if you want to soak up every bit of cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special meals, I sometimes add a layer of sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions before baking. It feels a bit more upscale without adding complexity. You could also bake individual portions in ramekins for a fun, personalized touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep really well for 3-4 days. When reheating, I recommend warming gently in the oven or microwave with a loose cover to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. I usually bake it fully, then portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers. When I want a quick dinner, I just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat the next day. The flavors hold up, and the texture stays creamy.

Reheating

To bring back its fresh-baked charm, I reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. This keeps the cheese melty without overcooking the rice. A quick broil at the end revives that delicious crispy top if you want.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice will work well in this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe, but keep in mind it has a nuttier flavor and firmer texture. Make sure the rice is fully cooked before assembling the casserole, as it won’t cook much more in the oven.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

No worries! Cream of chicken soup is a great substitute and will keep the casserole creamy and flavorful. If you’re avoiding canned soups, you can also make a quick homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and seasonings.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead and freeze it unbaked?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding extra baking time if needed.

How do I avoid the casserole becoming soggy?

Be sure to drain the cooked beef well before mixing everything together, and don’t over-saturate with liquid. Covering the dish during the first half of baking traps moisture to keep it creamy, but uncovering near the end lets the cheese top crisp up nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that always feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, adaptable, and reliably satisfying — no wonder it’s a family favorite in my kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and maybe find your own delicious twists, too!