There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is packed with hearty beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that makes every bite pure comfort food bliss.

I first made this recipe on a chilly night when I needed something quick, easy, and satisfying. It instantly became a family favorite, and now we make it at least once a month. The best part? It's a one-dish meal, so cleanup is a breeze!

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that checks all the right boxes—easy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious!

First off, this casserole is incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have it in the oven in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

It's also a budget-friendly meal. Ground beef and rice are both affordable, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples, meaning you won’t have to break the bank for a satisfying dinner.

Another reason to love this dish? It’s a one-pan wonder. Everything cooks together in the same dish, so you won’t have to worry about a sink full of dirty pots and pans. Less mess, less stress!

Lastly, it’s a family-friendly favorite. Even picky eaters will love the cheesy, creamy goodness of this casserole. Plus, you can customize it with different veggies or spices to suit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is in its simplicity. A handful of pantry staples come together to create something truly delicious.

Ground Beef – I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture. If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 works too, but you may want to add a little extra butter or oil for moisture.
Rice – Long-grain white rice is ideal for this casserole because it absorbs the flavors beautifully. Avoid instant rice, as it can become mushy. If using brown rice, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and add extra liquid.
Cheese – Sharp cheddar gives this casserole a bold, tangy flavor that melts beautifully. Feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for an extra gooey texture.
Cream of Mushroom Soup – This creates the creamy base of the casserole. You can also use cream of chicken or cream of celery if that’s what you have on hand.
Beef Broth – Enhances the meaty flavor and keeps the rice moist while baking. You can substitute chicken broth if needed.
Seasonings – A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper brings out the best in this dish. Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne if you like a little heat!

Equipment Needed

Large skillet
9x13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Aluminum foil

How To Make This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Making this casserole is as easy as brown, mix, and bake! Follow these simple steps for a no-fuss, delicious dinner.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, and drain any excess grease once it’s fully cooked.
Combine the ingredients – In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef with uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, seasonings, and half of the cheese. Stir until everything is well combined.
Transfer to the baking dish and spread everything out evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture locked in.
Bake for 45 minutes until the rice is tender. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for another 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes scooping easier!

Total time? Just 1 hour from start to finish—most of which is hands-off while it bakes!

Storage Options

This casserole is perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to store it:

In the fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
In the freezer – This casserole freezes well! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat from frozen – Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Variations and Substitution

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some fun variations:

Make it Tex-Mex – Swap the cream of mushroom soup for salsa and add a packet of taco seasoning for a zesty twist. Top with jalapeños for extra spice!
Add veggies – Stir in frozen peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition. Just be sure to dice them small so they cook evenly.
Use ground turkey or chicken – Lighten up the dish by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You may need to add an extra splash of oil for moisture.
Make it extra creamy – Stir in sour cream or cream cheese before baking for a richer, creamier texture.
Try different cheeses – Pepper Jack, Colby, or Gouda all melt beautifully and add a unique flavor twist.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients—this casserole is super forgiving!

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy, affordable, and packed with flavor. Whether you make it for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to dig into a cheesy, beefy, irresistible casserole that everyone will love!

Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! 😊