If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together without a fuss, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe might just become your new go-to. I absolutely love how this dish combines hearty ground beef, creamy soup, and melty cheddar into one satisfying bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry family. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks in one casserole dish, saving you time and dishes to wash.
Comfort Food Classic: It hits all the cozy notes with cheesy goodness and warm, savory flavors.
Family Favorite: My family always asks for seconds—and yours will too!
Easy to Customize: Add your favorite veggies or swap cheeses to make it your own.

A white baking dish holds a layered casserole with three clear layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked ground meat and vegetables like corn and peas in a creamy sauce, the middle layer is a smooth mix of rice and vegetables, and the top layer is a thick, melted golden-yellow cheese crust sprinkled with green herbs. A metal spoon is scooping out a portion, with the melted cheese stretching from the dish, showing the layers inside. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a drink and blue cloth slightly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, Ground Beef Rice Casserole, Easy Beef and Rice Bake, Cheesy Beef Casserole Dinner, Comfort Food Ground Beef Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a balanced dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with savory beef flavor. Plus, I love how pantry staples like instant rice and canned soup keep it super accessible whenever the craving hits.

Flat lay of fresh ground beef in a mound, a small sweet onion whole with smooth golden skin, four whole garlic cloves unpeeled, two simple white ceramic bowls—one filled with creamy light green celery soup, the other with rich brown beef stock, a small white bowl of mixed dried Italian herbs, a small white bowl containing bright red paprika powder, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl with cracked black peppercorns, a small white bowl of instant white rice grains, a small white bowl with vibrant frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, corn), and a generous pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese with bright orange hue, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, Ground Beef Rice Casserole, Easy Beef and Rice Bake, Cheesy Beef Casserole Dinner, Comfort Food Ground Beef Casserole

Ground beef: Use lean or regular; I prefer 80/20 for flavor without too much grease.
Sweet onion: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the savory beef.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a punch of aroma and depth—don’t skip it!
Cream of celery soup: Provides creaminess and subtle flavor; you can substitute cream of mushroom if you prefer.
Beef stock: Boosts the umami and helps cook the rice perfectly.
Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika: These seasonings do a lot of heavy lifting—make sure not to skimp or skip any for full flavor.
Kosher salt and black pepper: To taste and balance all the flavors.
Instant rice: It cooks right in the casserole, soaking up all those delicious juices.
Frozen mixed vegetables: Convenient and colorful—you can swap for fresh if you like, just steam first.
Sharp cheddar cheese: For that irresistible melty, tangy topping that pulls the whole dish together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so I like switching it up depending on what I have on hand or what my family is craving. The sky’s the limit here—don’t be afraid to get creative!

Vegetable swaps: I’ve swapped frozen mixed veggies for fresh bell peppers, mushrooms, or even broccoli, all with great results.
Cheese varieties: Try mozzarella for a gooey stretch or pepper jack for a little kick—I’ve found this changes the dish’s personality deliciously.
Make it spicy: Adding a teaspoon of chili powder or hot sauce really livens things up—my family loves it with a bit of heat.
Swap the soup: For a lighter twist, I’ve used cream of mushroom or even homemade white sauce instead of canned soup.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onions

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef and diced sweet onion, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Stir frequently to ensure even browning and onion softening—this usually takes about 10 minutes. When there’s no pink left and the onions are translucent, drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from being greasy.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Build Flavor

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! This step really boosts the dish’s aroma and depth. Then remove the pan from heat so you’re ready for the next steps without risk of overcooking.

Step 3: Mix in Soups, Stock and Seasonings

Now whisk in the cream of celery soup, beef stock, and all your spices: garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination creates the savory base that will infuse every bite with flavor. Give everything a good stir so it’s well combined.

Step 4: Add Rice and Vegetables, Transfer to Baking Dish

Stir in the instant rice and frozen mixed vegetables until evenly mixed. This lets them absorb all those tasty juices while baking. Then pour the whole mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray for easy cleanup.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover the casserole tightly with nonstick foil. Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the rice is tender.

Step 6: Broil for the Perfect Finish

Once baked, remove the foil and place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes to brown and crisp the cheese to your liking. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh or dried parsley if you want to add a little color and fresh taste.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Drain the Beef Well: Removing excess grease after browning keeps the casserole from getting oily and heavy.
Use Instant Rice: It cooks perfectly in the casserole without becoming mushy or underdone.
Cover Tightly While Baking: This traps steam and lets the rice cook evenly while keeping the casserole moist.
Broil Carefully: Watch closely when browning the cheese so it crisps without burning.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

A close-up photo shows a spoon holding a scoop of a mixed dish with visible layers including yellow melted cheese, small pieces of light brown ground meat, white rice, green peas, and corn kernels, all mixed together in a creamy texture. On a white plate below the spoon, there is a serving of this dish with orange melted cheese on top and scattered green pieces, likely herbs or vegetables. In the background, there is a white baking dish filled with more of the dish topped with golden melted cheese, placed on a white marbled surface. A glass of iced tea and some green garnish are also visible behind the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, Ground Beef Rice Casserole, Easy Beef and Rice Bake, Cheesy Beef Casserole Dinner, Comfort Food Ground Beef Casserole

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chives on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and a mild herbiness that brightens up the rich, cheesy casserole. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream on the side takes it over the top!

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty hearty, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli to add freshness and balance the richness. Garlic bread or dinner rolls also make great companions if you want to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with little sprigs of thyme or rosemary. It’s pretty impressive and guests appreciate the personal touch. It also reheats really well in single servings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let the casserole cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day, making it a great option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers successfully by packing portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have a homemade comfort meal ready in minutes on a busy day.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before reheating keeps it nice and melty.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of instant rice in this casserole?

You can use white rice, but you’ll need to cook it separately before mixing it into the casserole, as it won’t cook fully during baking like instant rice does. Using instant rice saves time and ensures the right texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free cream of celery soup and gluten-free beef stock. Many brands offer gluten-free versions, and this swap won’t affect the taste or texture.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely. If using fresh veggies like carrots, peas, or green beans, I recommend lightly steaming or sautéing them before adding to the casserole so they finish cooking evenly during baking.
How can I make this casserole spicier?

Try adding chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even diced jalapeños when cooking the beef. Another tip is serving it with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side, which brings some heat without overpowering the cheesy flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe has been one of my family’s comfort-food staples for years. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy enough for a last-minute dinner but still feels special and homemade. The creamy, savory layers of flavor combined with gooey cheddar always make everyone at the table happy. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy it as much as we do—nothing beats cozy meals cooked with love!