Cheesy ground beef rice casserole in a baking dish with melted cheddar cheese and parsley garnish

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Comfort: A Hug in a Baking Dish 🧀🍚

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Let’s be honest—some nights, the idea of making dinner from scratch feels like climbing a mountain in flip-flops. That’s exactly why I keep this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Comfort recipe in my back pocket. It’s creamy, hearty, melty, and so satisfying, you’ll swear it came from grandma’s kitchen (but without the hours of effort).

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Comfort

Because it checks all the boxes: quick prep, one dish, pantry staples, and that gooey cheese pull we all crave. It’s the weeknight dinner winner that feeds a crowd and keeps everyone—from picky eaters to hungry teens—coming back for seconds. Bonus? It reheats like a dream, making leftovers something to look forward to.

This recipe shines when time is short and appetites are big. Think of it as your weeknight armor—one you can assemble in minutes with ingredients you probably already have. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable. Want to sneak in some veggies? Do it. Want it spicier? Go ahead and toss in some jalapeños. It’s your casserole now.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2️⃣ Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep things light and flavorful.

3️⃣ Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture with uncooked rice, beef broth, cream soup, milk, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until everything’s well combined. The mixture might look a bit soupy, but trust—it’ll bake into the most comforting texture.

4️⃣ Assemble & Bake

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spoon. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes to let the rice absorb all that delicious broth and become tender.

5️⃣ Uncover & Finish

Remove the foil, sprinkle a generous handful of cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’re basically giving it a golden, gooey crown.

6️⃣ Rest & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes (this helps the rice fully set). Sprinkle on chopped parsley or green onions if you’re feeling fancy, and serve it up!

Cooking Tips

✔ Cream of Mushroom or Chicken? Use whichever you prefer—both work like a charm and lend a silky texture.
✔ Rice Tip: Don’t pre-cook your rice. It’ll absorb all that flavorful broth and soup while baking.
✔ Add-Ins: Toss in frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
✔ Cheese Swap: Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend can offer a delicious twist.
✔ Meat Lovers Version: Mix in some cooked bacon or sausage for an extra protein kick.

A Little Story…

This casserole was born on a cold Tuesday when I had zero energy, a pound of beef, and a rice stash. My youngest declared it “mac and cheese for meat lovers,” and honestly, that’s a pretty solid review. It’s been a weeknight dinner staple ever since.

It’s also been my go-to for potlucks, meal trains, and those “I need to bring something comforting” moments. Once, I dropped it off to a neighbor who’d just had a baby. She texted me two days later asking for the recipe because her husband had “eaten the entire thing and asked when I was making it again.”

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze it?
Yep! Bake it first, let it cool completely, then freeze. Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.

Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it’ll need extra cooking time and more liquid—add about 1/2 cup more broth.

What if I don’t have cream soup?
Make a quick roux with butter, flour, milk, and beef bouillon for a homemade alternative.

Can I make it spicy?
For sure! Add diced green chiles or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a little kick.

Just One More Bite…

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Comfort is exactly what its name promises: comfort in every cheesy, beefy bite. When your day’s been long and your fridge is looking sparse, this casserole saves the evening.

Trust me, once you make this, it’ll go into heavy rotation in your dinner lineup. Bookmark it, share it, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your family’s most-requested dish. And hey—don’t forget to grab a fork before someone else beats you to the crispy corner piece. 😉

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Comfort is the ultimate weeknight dinner. Easy, hearty, and loaded with cheesy goodness—perfect for busy families!

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