CHEESY GROUND BEEF RICE CASSEROLE
Introduction
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
With its rich, savory layers of beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese it’s a hearty dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite.
This casserole is beloved for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor, offering a complete meal in one pan that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds ground beef
2 cups cooked white rice
1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.
While the oven heats, place a large skillet over medium-high heat and begin browning the ground beef. Stir frequently to break the meat into small crumbles and cook evenly.
Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
This step is important for achieving the perfect balance of richness and flavor. After draining, return the beef to the skillet.
Add in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients, making sure the beef is fully coated with the creamy mixture. This blend will serve as the flavorful base of your casserole.
Next, fold in the cooked white rice. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly distributed throughout the beef and sauce mixture.
The rice absorbs the creamy goodness and helps bind the casserole together.
Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, reserving the remaining half cup for later.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
In the final minutes of baking, remove the casserole and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted to perfection. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
How to Make
Start by gathering all your ingredients so you can prepare the casserole smoothly without missing anything.
It’s always helpful to cook the rice in advance or use leftover rice to save time. Choose long-grain white rice for the best texture.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain off the grease.
This step keeps the casserole from being too rich and allows the other ingredients to shine through.
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. These ingredients create a rich, creamy base that binds the casserole and gives it that familiar comforting flavor.
Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and your desired amount of salt and pepper.
This seasoning blend enhances the depth of flavor and adds subtle savory notes that bring the whole dish together.
Once the sauce is smooth and well-blended, stir in the cooked rice. Be sure the rice is evenly coated with the creamy beef mixture. This ensures each bite has a perfect balance of meat, rice, and sauce.
Spread the mixture into a baking dish and top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
Baking it in the oven helps meld all the flavors and gives the casserole a beautifully melted cheese topping.
Finish with a second layer of cheese and a short bake until bubbly and golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle. Serve hot and enjoy a slice of this satisfying dish.
Variations
You can easily customize this casserole to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option with similar texture and flavor. These alternatives work just as well and absorb the seasonings beautifully.
For an extra vegetable boost, stir in a cup of frozen peas, corn, or green beans before baking. Not only does this add color and nutrition, but it also adds a bit of texture contrast to the creamy casserole base.
Try using cream of chicken or cream of celery soup in place of mushroom if you prefer a different flavor. Each one offers a unique twist while maintaining that creamy consistency you want in a casserole.
Add a little kick by mixing in diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. These ingredients add heat and elevate the flavor for those who enjoy a spicier dish.
Consider mixing in a handful of chopped onions or sautéed bell peppers for more aromatic depth. These additions can enhance the flavor profile and give the casserole a more robust taste.
Switch up the cheese by using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a creamier, more complex cheese layer. Each cheese melts differently and brings its own character to the dish.
Top the casserole with crushed Ritz crackers, fried onions, or breadcrumbs before the final bake for a crunchy topping. This adds a delightful contrast to the creamy interior and makes each bite more satisfying.
Tips
Use freshly grated cheese if possible, as it melts better than pre-shredded varieties. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly the cheese melts and blends.
Make sure your rice is fully cooked and not overly moist. Using slightly dry rice helps prevent the casserole from becoming mushy and helps it absorb the creamy sauce more effectively.
Drain the beef thoroughly after browning to avoid greasy texture. Skipping this step can make the dish too oily and overwhelm the other flavors.
Season to taste, especially with salt and pepper. Since the soup and cheese already have salt, taste the mixture before baking and adjust as needed to keep the dish well-balanced.
For added depth, sauté a little garlic and onion in the pan before adding the beef. These aromatics add rich background flavor and enhance the overall savory profile of the casserole.
Prepare the casserole in advance by assembling it up to the baking step and refrigerating it. When ready to serve, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to compensate for the cold start.
Let the casserole rest for five to ten minutes after baking. This helps it set up and makes it easier to serve neat portions without falling apart on the plate.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a simple yet satisfying meal that brings together comfort, convenience, and flavor. With minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s the perfect solution for hectic weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something hearty and delicious without a lot of fuss.
Whether you stick to the original recipe or explore the many variations, this casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation. Its creamy, cheesy goodness and customizable nature make it a timeless classic that’s always welcome on the dinner table.