If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that comes together with minimal fuss but maximum flavor, you’re gonna love this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate — cheesy, hearty, and completely satisfying. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that I often make when I want something comforting but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen. Stick around and I’ll share everything you need to nail it beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: This casserole combines simple pantry staples and barely any prep work for a big payoff.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory beef and veggies — a true crowd-pleaser.
- Family-Friendly: My family absolutely goes crazy for this one, and it’s perfect for lunches or weeknight dinners.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can tweak the veggies, seasoning, or cheese to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll notice this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is built around easy-to-find ingredients that blend beautifully — the rich beef, creamy soup, and sharp cheddar really bring it all home. Shopping tip: grab a good-quality sharp cheddar and fresh garlic because those little touches make a big difference.
- Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 for nice juiciness and flavor without too much grease.
- Sweet Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the savory beef perfectly.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a fragrant, savory punch you don’t want to skip.
- Cream of Celery Soup: This brings creaminess and just a hint of celery flavor to the casserole.
- Beef Stock: Adds depth and richness; homemade or store-bought works fine.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Great little seasoning boosters that layer flavor without fuss.
- Italian Seasoning: Provides a subtle herby warmth that complements the beef and rice.
- Paprika: Adds color and a touch of smoky sweetness.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
- Instant Rice: Saves time and soaks up all those tasty juices wonderfully.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Saves prep time but still gives the casserole a fresh pop of color and texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and brings that irresistible cheesy finish.
Variations
I love how flexible this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is — it’s my go-to canvas for whatever I have on hand or whatever my family’s craving. You should definitely feel free to make it your own.
- Veggie Swap: I’ve swapped in fresh asparagus or green beans when frozen veggies weren’t available, and it’s deliciously fresh.
- Cheese Variations: Sometimes I mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for a little gooey stretch or added kick.
- Diet-Friendly: For a lighter version, try lean ground turkey and low-fat cheese — still super tasty but lighter.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder if you like a little heat — I learned this trick from a friend, and it livens things up beautifully.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion
Start by heating your skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and the small diced sweet onion. As you cook, break up the beef with a spatula so it browns evenly and you don’t end up with big chunks. I usually stir frequently to get that perfect browning without burning the onions. After about 10 minutes, the onions should be soft and the beef fully browned — no pink left. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease; too much fat can make the casserole soggy.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Combine Your Soup Mixture
Once your beef is browned, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds — just enough to get fragrant without burning. Then, turn off the heat and stir in the cream of celery soup, beef stock, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. This layering of flavors is what gives this casserole its soul, so be sure to mix everything well!
Step 3: Stir in Rice and Veggies, then Assemble
Next, add the instant rice and frozen mixed vegetables straight into the meat mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined. Then, pour that mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish that’s been sprayed with cooking spray. The rice will absorb all those delicious juices as it bakes, so don’t worry if things look a bit soupy at this point — that’s exactly how it should be.
Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bake
Cover the casserole with shredded sharp cheddar cheese — I use a full 2 cups because I love how cheesy and melty the top gets. Cover it tightly with nonstick foil to lock in moisture and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 5: Broil for a Golden Finish
For that irresistible golden top, remove the foil and pop the casserole under the broiler for a couple of minutes — just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. A lightly browned crust brings such a satisfying texture contrast. Before serving, sprinkle some dried or fresh parsley on top if you want a little color and freshness.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Onion: Soft but not mushy onions add the best flavor and texture.
- Drain Excess Fat Thoroughly: Leaving too much grease will make your casserole oily rather than creamy.
- Use Instant Rice: This saves time and ensures the rice cooks perfectly during baking without turning mushy.
- Watch the Broiler: Broil only until lightly golden; cheese goes from perfect to burnt in seconds if you’re not careful.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top after baking — it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes a dash of hot sauce on the side is a nice option if you like a bit of heat!
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal by itself, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to add some brightness and crunch. Garlic bread or simple roasted potatoes on the side are also winners if you want to make it extra hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for a pretty presentation that feels extra cozy. Another fun idea: top with a handful of crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions before the broiling step to add some crunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay delicious for up to 3 days. Before reheating, I usually let it come to room temperature a bit to encourage even warming.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. I like to portion it into individual containers so I can reheat just what I need. Freeze before baking for best texture, and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through — usually about 20 minutes depending on portion size. A quick broil at the end brings back that irresistible cheesy crust.
FAQs
-
Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice in this casserole?
You can, but you’ll need to cook the rice separately before mixing it into the casserole because regular rice takes longer to cook. Using instant rice simplifies the process, letting the rice cook perfectly in the casserole juices as it bakes.
-
Can I substitute cream of celery soup with another cream soup?
Absolutely! Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup can be great substitutes and will still keep the casserole creamy and flavorful. Just choose what you prefer or have on hand.
-
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole freezes really well. For best results, freeze it unbaked, then thaw and bake when you’re ready. It makes a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
-
How can I make this casserole more veggie-packed?
You can add extra frozen veggies or fresh ones like chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just be mindful to adjust the seasoning and liquid slightly if adding a lot more veggies to keep the casserole balanced.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I absolutely love how this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe turns out every time — it’s one of those recipes that feels like comfort food magic in a dish. When I first tried it, I was hooked by how easy it was to throw together and how happy it made everyone at the table. I hope you’ll enjoy making it (and eating it!) as much as I do. Go ahead, give it a try and let this cheesy, hearty casserole become your next weeknight favorite!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy celery soup, instant rice, mixed vegetables, and topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this family favorite combines simple ingredients into a delicious one-dish meal baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, small diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
Soup and Liquids
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of celery soup
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 1 cup instant rice
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside to prepare your ingredients.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a Dutch oven or large skillet with deep sides over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced sweet onion. Break up the beef with a spoon, stirring frequently. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have softened, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove the pan from heat.
- Mix in Soups and Seasonings: Add the cream of celery soup, beef stock, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Add Rice and Vegetables: Stir in the instant rice and frozen mixed vegetables until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and then top with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with nonstick foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. The mixture should be bubbly and the cheese melted.
- Broil to Brown Cheese: Remove the foil and place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle with dried or fresh parsley for color and serve hot as a comforting one-dish meal.
Notes
- This casserole is a family favorite and a simple, comforting one-dish recipe perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
- You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh or your preferred veggies according to taste.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium beef stock.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 379 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 622 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg
