Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty casserole fresh from the oven. The Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is one of those dishes that brings the family together around the dinner table. This recipe combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, colorful bell peppers, and gooey melted cheddar cheese to create a meal that’s not only delicious but also budget-friendly and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution or a dish to feed a crowd, this casserole checks all the boxes. The best part is that most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it a convenient go-to recipe when you need something filling and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Makes This Casserole Special

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole stands out because it’s a complete one-dish meal. You get your protein from the ground beef, your carbohydrates from the rice, your vegetables from the bell peppers and onions, and that irresistible cheesy goodness that makes every bite memorable. The combination of textures is particularly appealing – the tender rice mingles with the savory beef crumbles, while the melted cheddar creates stretchy, gooey pockets throughout the casserole. The bell peppers add a slight sweetness and a pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing. Unlike some casseroles that can be heavy and one-dimensional, this recipe has layers of flavor from the garlic, paprika, and beef broth that tie everything together. It’s comfort food at its finest, reminiscent of dishes your grandmother might have made, yet simple enough for even beginner cooks to master.

Perfect for Busy Families

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a nutritious home-cooked meal can be challenging. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the answer to that problem. With a prep time of just twenty minutes and a cooking time of around forty-five minutes, you can have dinner on the table in just over an hour. The straightforward preparation process means you can involve kids in the cooking, teaching them valuable kitchen skills while spending quality time together. The recipe is also highly adaptable to what you have on hand. If you don’t have bell peppers, you can use frozen mixed vegetables. If cheddar isn’t your favorite, swap it for mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend. The casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. You can make it on Sunday and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, or freeze portions for those days when cooking from scratch simply isn’t possible.

Budget-Friendly and Economical

One of the greatest advantages of this casserole is how economical it is. Ground beef is typically one of the more affordable protein options, and when combined with rice, which is inexpensive and filling, you have a meal that stretches your grocery budget. A single batch easily serves six to eight people, making the cost per serving remarkably low. The other ingredients – onions, bell peppers, broth, and cheese – are all reasonably priced and often on sale at supermarkets. This makes the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole an excellent choice for families trying to eat well without overspending. The substantial nature of the dish means that even hearty appetites will be satisfied with a single serving, and you won’t need to prepare multiple side dishes. A simple green salad or some crusty bread is all you need to round out the meal, further keeping costs down while providing balanced nutrition.

Customization and Variations

While the basic recipe is delicious as written, the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is wonderfully versatile and can be customized to suit your family’s preferences. If you want to increase the vegetable content, consider adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to the mixture. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Those following a lower-carb diet might substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice, though you’ll need to adjust the liquid amounts accordingly. The cheese topping can be varied as well – try a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, or add some Parmesan for a sharper taste. You can also incorporate different seasonings like cumin, chili powder, or Italian herbs to change the flavor profile entirely. Some families like to add a layer of sour cream mixed with taco seasoning between the rice mixture and the cheese for a Tex-Mex twist. The possibilities are truly endless, making this a recipe you’ll return to again and again with slight variations to keep things interesting.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and onion becomes translucent.
4. Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to coat the rice with the butter and vegetable mixture, cooking for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
5. Pour in the beef broth and add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
6. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix well to distribute the meat evenly throughout the rice and vegetable mixture.
7. Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
9. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.
10. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and begins to turn golden brown in spots.
11. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Hearty one-dish meal combining savory ground beef, fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese for ultimate comfort food.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Aluminum foil

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften.
4. Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to coat, cooking for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
5. Pour in the beef broth and add the cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine.
6. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix well to distribute evenly throughout the rice mixture.
7. Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
9. Remove foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
10. Return uncovered to oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and begins to turn golden.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 3 months. Reheat covered at 325°F for 20 minutes. Use lean ground beef for lower fat content, or substitute ground turkey. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for more nutrition.

Storage and Reheating Tips

One of the best features of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is how well it stores and reheats. If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring portions to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, the casserole will keep well for up to four days. To reheat, you can use either the microwave or the oven. For microwave reheating, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for two to three minutes, stirring halfway through. For oven reheating, place the desired amount in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F for about twenty minutes. The casserole also freezes exceptionally well. To freeze, portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Frozen casserole will maintain its quality for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat using one of the methods above. Some people prefer to freeze the casserole before baking, which allows you to have a ready-to-bake meal on hand. If freezing unbaked, prepare the recipe through step seven, then wrap tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw – simply add an additional twenty minutes to the covered baking time.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is filling enough to stand alone as a complete meal, there are several accompaniments that pair beautifully with it. A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness and adds a bright note to your plate. Steamed or roasted green beans, broccoli, or asparagus make excellent vegetable sides that add color and nutrition without competing with the main dish. For bread lovers, warm dinner rolls, garlic bread, or cornbread are wonderful for soaking up any extra cheese sauce. If you want to lean into the comfort food theme, consider serving the casserole with a side of coleslaw or pickles, which provide a tangy crunch that complements the creamy texture. For beverages, this hearty dish pairs well with a cold beer, a glass of red wine, or for non-alcoholic options, iced tea or lemonade. When serving for guests, you might set out condiments like sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, or additional shredded cheese so everyone can customize their portion to their liking.

Nutritional Considerations

While the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is undeniably comfort food, it does offer nutritional value. Ground beef provides high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins, all essential for energy and overall health. If you’re concerned about fat content, you can easily use lean or extra-lean ground beef, which significantly reduces the fat while maintaining the protein content. The rice provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, and the bell peppers contribute vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. To boost the nutritional profile further, you can increase the vegetable-to-meat ratio, adding more peppers or incorporating other vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach. Using brown rice instead of white rice adds fiber and additional nutrients, though you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts. For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium beef broth and reduce or eliminate the added salt. The cheese, while high in calcium, also contributes saturated fat and sodium, so if you’re watching these nutrients, you might reduce the cheese quantity to one cup instead of two, or use a reduced-fat cheese option. Despite being a rich, filling dish, when portioned appropriately and served with vegetable sides, this casserole can fit into a balanced diet.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The reliability of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is part of its appeal. The science behind why it works so well is straightforward. By browning the ground beef first, you develop deep, savory flavors through the Maillard reaction, which creates complexity in the final dish. Sautéing the vegetables releases their natural sugars and softens their structure, ensuring they integrate smoothly into the casserole rather than remaining crunchy or raw-tasting. Toasting the rice briefly in the butter and vegetable mixture before adding liquid helps each grain maintain its integrity during baking, resulting in fluffy rice rather than mushy or gummy texture. The combination of beef broth and cream of mushroom soup provides exactly the right amount of liquid for the rice to absorb while keeping everything moist and flavorful. The ratio of liquid to rice has been carefully calibrated so that the rice cooks perfectly during the covered baking time. Adding the cheese at the end prevents it from completely melting into the mixture and disappearing; instead, it creates that desirable gooey, stretchy topping that defines a great casserole. The resting period after baking allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve in neat portions rather than having everything run together on the plate.

Making It Your Own Family Tradition

Many families have signature dishes that appear at gatherings, potlucks, and regular weeknight dinners, becoming part of their food heritage. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole has the potential to become one of those beloved recipes in your household. Its crowd-pleasing flavors appeal to both adults and children, making it a safe choice when you need to feed people with varying tastes. Kids especially love the cheesy topping and the comforting, familiar flavors. As you make this recipe repeatedly, you’ll likely develop your own tweaks and improvements, perhaps adjusting the spice levels or incorporating ingredients that have special meaning to your family. Some cooks add a secret ingredient that becomes their signature – perhaps a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, or a handful of frozen peas stirred in at the end. These small personalizations transform a recipe from something you found into something that’s uniquely yours. Consider making this casserole for special occasions, bringing it to potlucks where it’s sure to be a hit, or preparing it as a comfort meal for friends going through difficult times. Food has a remarkable ability to create memories and connections, and this simple, delicious casserole might just become one of those recipes that your children request when they come home to visit or that friends specifically ask you to bring to gatherings.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole represents everything that’s wonderful about home cooking – it’s simple, affordable, comforting, and delicious. In a world where we’re constantly rushing and looking for convenient solutions, this recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create something truly satisfying. With basic pantry staples and about an hour of time, you can produce a meal that feeds your family well, both nutritionally and emotionally. The versatility of the recipe means it can adapt to your needs, whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, trying to use up ingredients in your refrigerator, or feeding a crowd on a budget. The fact that it stores and reheats so well makes it practical for meal planning and busy schedules. Most importantly, this casserole delivers on flavor – that perfect combination of savory beef, tender rice, and melted cheese creates a dish that people genuinely look forward to eating. Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for a reliable weeknight dinner or a beginner hoping to expand your repertoire, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection. Try it once, and you’ll understand why casseroles have been beloved comfort food for generations.