Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole – Easy, Comforting Family Dinner

Looking for a cozy, budget-friendly dinner the whole family will love? This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Made with tender beef, fluffy rice, and lots of melted cheese, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that comes together with simple pantry ingredients.

If you love easy casseroles and classic comfort food, this one belongs on your dinner rotation!

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✔ One-dish meal

• ✔ Budget-friendly ingredients

• ✔ Creamy, cheesy, and filling

• ✔ Kid-approved comfort food

• ✔ Great for leftovers & meal prep

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup milk

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

👨‍🍳 How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole

In a large bowl, combine:

• Cooked beef mixture

• Uncooked rice

• Beef broth

• Cream of mushroom soup

• Milk

• Salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning

• 1 cup shredded cheese

Stir well.

Step 4: Bake

Pour mixture into the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Finish Baking

Remove foil, sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve

Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and enjoy!

🧀 Tips for the Best Casserole

• Use sharp cheddar for more flavor

• Make sure the dish is tightly covered while baking so the rice cooks properly

• Add mushrooms, peas, or corn for extra veggies

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey if you prefer

🥗 What to Serve With It

• Simple green salad

• Steamed broccoli

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls