Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

 Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect blend of savory beef, tender rice, and creamy mushroom goodness, all topped with a golden layer of melted cheddar cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to make, making it a go-to comfort food for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

This dish combines simple pantry staples with a rich, creamy texture that makes it irresistible. The seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and garlic add depth, while the beef broth-infused rice ensures every bite is flavorful. And, of course, the cheese—lots of it—creates that gooey, melty perfection we all love.

Ready to create a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds? Let’s dive into this easy, delicious, and foolproof recipe!

---

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a no-fuss recipe.

✔ One-Pan Wonder: The beef and rice cook together, minimizing cleanup.

✔ Family Favorite: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—everyone will love it.

✔ Great for Leftovers: Even better the next day!

---

Ingredients & Their Role in the Dish

Main Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef – The savory base of the casserole, adding richness and heartiness.

1 tbsp minced garlic – Enhances the beef with a robust, aromatic depth.

¾ cup diced onions – Adds a slight sweetness and balances the dish’s flavors.

1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice – Absorbs the beef broth for tender, flavorful grains.

2 ½ cups beef broth – Infuses the rice with rich umami goodness and ensures a fluffy texture.

Creamy & Cheesy Goodness:

8 oz sliced button mushrooms – Bring a meaty, earthy texture to the dish.

10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup – The secret to an ultra-creamy, indulgent casserole.

½ cup sour cream – Adds a slight tang and extra creaminess.

½ cup milk – Helps blend the creamy ingredients for a smooth consistency.

3 tbsp butter, divided – Used for sautéing and enhancing richness.

2 cups cheddar cheese, divided – The star ingredient that makes this dish irresistibly cheesy!

Seasoning & Flavor Boosters:

2 tsp Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs to elevate the dish.

Salt & black pepper to taste – Enhances all the flavors beautifully.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once fully cooked, remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and slightly translucent.

4. Cook the Rice

Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir for 2–3 minutes to toast slightly. Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

5. Sauté the Mushrooms

In a separate pan, melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter and sauté mushrooms until golden brown.

6. Make the Creamy Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth.

7. Assemble the Casserole

Stir the cooked beef, sautéed mushrooms, and half of the cheddar cheese into the rice mixture.

Pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef and rice, stirring gently to combine.

Transfer everything to the greased baking dish.

8. Add the Final Cheesy Layer

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.

9. Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

10. Let It Rest & Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

---

Pro Tips for the Best Casserole

⭐ Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creaminess.

⭐ Don't overcook the rice—it will absorb more moisture as it bakes.

⭐ For extra crunch, top with buttery crushed crackers before baking.

⭐ Customize it! Add bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra nutrients.

---

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole pairs well with:

✔ Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

✔ Steamed Broccoli – A fresh, healthy side to balance the richness.

✔ Crisp Side Salad – A refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors.

---

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

This easy ground beef casserole is pure comfort food magic—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Try it once, and it might just become your n

ew family favorite!

Craving more comforting casseroles? Bookmark this recipe and share it with friends who love cheesy, hearty meals!