If you’re looking for a warm, comforting, and seriously satisfying meal, I can’t recommend this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big cozy hug after a long day, plus it’s super easy to make—which is exactly why I keep coming back to it. Whether you’re in a hurry or want to take a little extra time for a homemade touch, this casserole hits all the right notes with tender ground beef, cheesy goodness, and perfectly cooked rice. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Classic: The rich, cheesy layers paired with savory ground beef and tender rice create a dish everyone craves.
Versatile Prep Options: You can whip this up quickly, semi-homemade, or from scratch depending on how much time you have.
Family-Friendly: I’ve found my family goes crazy for this meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup since it all bakes in one dish, freeing you up to relax or prep sides.

A close-up view of a layered cheesy rice dish served in a white bowl with a purple interior. The dish has three visible layers: a base of white rice mixed with small pieces of cooked ground meat and diced orange carrots, a middle layer covered in melted yellow cheese with a smooth, slightly shiny texture, and small green herb bits scattered; the top layer is uneven with melted cheese stretching over the rice and meat, creating a gooey look. A silver fork with an aged handle rests on the edge of the bowl, and the background features a rustic wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole, Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, Easy Cheesy Dinner Recipes, Comfort Food Casserole, Best Ground Beef Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe combine beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. I love how basic pantry staples like rice and ground beef transform with creaminess from cheese and mushroom soup or gravy. When shopping, fresh carrots and good-quality cheese will really elevate the dish.

Flat lay of a small bowl of long grain white rice, a small bowl of sliced fresh carrots, a small bowl of whole raw ground beef in natural reddish-pink color, a small white bowl of cream, a small white bowl of chicken broth, a few tablespoons of unsalted butter on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl of salt crystals, a small white bowl of minced white button mushrooms, a small white bowl of minced onion, a small white bowl with one whole clove of garlic, and a stack of nine slices of fresh cheddar and colby jack cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and balanced 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 Rice Casserole, Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, Easy Cheesy Dinner Recipes, Comfort Food Casserole, Best Ground Beef Casserole

Ground Beef: I prefer lean ground beef (80/20) for flavor without too much grease; cooking it fully before adding matters a lot.
Long Grain White Rice: Choose quality rice for fluffy results; rinse it if you want less stickiness.
Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots add a subtle sweetness and nice texture contrast.
Cream of Mushroom Soup or Mushroom Gravy: Adds that comforting creamy base; homemade or store-bought works.
Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese: Sliced cheese on top melts so nicely, creating that gooey cheesy crown everyone loves.
Butter, Onion, Garlic, Mushrooms, and Flour (for scratch version): These build a luscious sauce and deepen flavor if you’re going all from scratch.
Water or Broth: Helps cook the rice perfectly in the casserole.
Milk or Cream (depending on variant): Makes the sauce silky and rich in the semi-homemade or scratch versions.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning.

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

Over the years, I’ve mixed up this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe in all sorts of ways to keep things interesting. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have or what your family prefers—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!

Swap the Meat: Sometimes I use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter twist and it still comes out super flavorful.
Veggie Boost: Adding bell peppers, peas, or corn works great—my kids didn’t even notice those sneaky extras!
Cheese Choices: Sharp cheddar makes it tangier, but Monterey Jack or even mozzarella give it a great gooey melt.
Make it Spicy: A pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper kicks it up a notch when we want a little heat.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Brown Your Ground Beef

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking your ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. I like to break it up into small pieces as it cooks so you’ll get a nice even texture throughout the casserole. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy. Season lightly with salt and pepper at this stage to build flavor.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients for Your Chosen Version

Depending on whether you’re using the quick, semi-homemade, or from-scratch method, this step changes a bit. For the quick version, simply stir together cream of mushroom soup, uncooked rice, water, sliced carrots, and the browned beef. If going semi-homemade, whisk water, mushroom gravy, and milk, then mix with rice, beef, and carrots. For the from-scratch, you’ll start by making a creamy mushroom sauce (more on that next) before combining with the rest.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×9 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Pour your combined mixture into the dish and bake uncovered for about 90 minutes. Patience here really pays off—the rice absorbs flavors and softens perfectly while the casserole melds together beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and the edges are bubbling.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking

After the initial bake, lay about nine slices of cheddar or Colby Jack cheese on top of the casserole. Pop it back in the oven for another few minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, gooey layer. This step is the magic touch that turns a simple dinner into something spectacular. I usually keep an eye on it to avoid burning but it goes pretty fast!

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe

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Go Low and Slow: Baking uncovered helps evaporate moisture so your rice cooks perfectly without getting mushy.
Evenly Slice Carrots: Thin slices cook faster and blend better into the casserole texture, trust me on this one.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit 5-10 minutes after baking — it sets nicely and makes it easier to serve.
Use Sharp Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a lovely tang that balances the creamy, meaty flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe

A white ceramic pie dish holds a layered casserole starting with a bottom layer of white rice mixed with small orange carrot slices and brown cooked meat. On top of this is a thick layer of melted yellow and white cheese with a slightly browned, bubbly texture, sprinkled lightly with small green herbs. Some of the cheese layer has been scooped out to reveal the mixed rice and meat beneath. The pie dish rests on a black cloth on a white marbled surface. A metal spoon is partially visible in the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole, Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, Easy Cheesy Dinner Recipes, Comfort Food Casserole, Best Ground Beef Casserole

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and a little brightness. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce kicks things up too, especially if you like a bit of zest alongside your cheesy comfort.

Side Dishes

With such a hearty main, I suggest lighter sides like a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli. A simple cucumber tomato salad with a splash of lemon juice also pairs beautifully and keeps everything balanced. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are a classic combo if you want to keep the meal indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins—cheese melted on top and garnished with tiny herb sprigs—that look charming and make portion control easy. Another fun idea is layering it with extra cheese and some sliced tomatoes for a vibrant twist just before baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture spot on.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole casserole tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out, warming for about 20-30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even heat.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make it gluten-free, swap out the cream of mushroom soup or mushroom gravy for gluten-free versions, and substitute the flour in the homemade sauce with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep an eye on the rice and liquid ratio so the texture stays perfect.
What type of rice works best for this casserole?

Long grain white rice is ideal because it cooks up fluffy and separate even after baking for a long time. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice varieties, as they may turn mushy during the bake.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole (without cheese on top) the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, then bake fresh when you’re ready. Just add the cheese in the last few minutes of baking for that perfect melty topping.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth and a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup to keep that creamy texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s my go-to for cozy family dinners and potlucks alike. I love how it’s so comforting yet simple, with a flavor that never gets old. I really hope you give it a try and find it as rewarding and delicious as I do. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a little gift to yourself after a busy day, and I can’t wait to hear what you think once you dig in!