Mouthwatering Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe – Perfect for Family Dinners

If you're looking for the ultimate cozy, comfort dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole has got you covered! With layers of tender ground beef, savory rice, and loads of melted cheese, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Each bite offers the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness mixed with rich beef and hints of spice—ideal for those cool evenings when you're craving something warm and hearty.

Photo byRecipes By Lisa

I discovered this gem on the Facebook page Recipes by Lisa, and I just had to share it with you. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal on the table fast. Follow along as I walk you through the steps to create this delicious dish.

A Backstory to This Recipe

This casserole reminds me of family dinners growing up, where the simple combination of meat, rice, and cheese was a staple at our table. It's one of those meals that brings everyone together because it's hearty, filling, and deeply satisfying. My family loves it, and the leftovers are even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping as well!

Cultural Origins and Fun Facts

Casseroles like this one have been a part of American home cooking for decades, especially in the Midwest. They are often beloved for their convenience and ability to stretch ingredients—plus, who can resist the melted cheese on top? This particular version features ground beef and rice, a classic combination that dates back to Depression-era cooking when families used affordable ingredients to create filling meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

1. Cook the Beef:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion has softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
2. Prepare the Casserole:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Assemble:
   Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the rice cook thoroughly.
4. Bake:
   Place the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked. Then, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
   Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with fresh parsley or paprika for an added pop of color and flavor if you like!

Pro Tips for the Best Results:

• Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the dish with foil is key to making sure the rice cooks through evenly without drying out.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese before the final bake.
• Vegetarian Variation: If you'd like to make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms, and swap the beef broth for vegetable broth.

This casserole is delicious on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, serve it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies on the side. You’ll love how the fresh flavors balance out the richness of the dish.

Whether you're cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole will quickly become a go-to recipe. If you give it a try, don’t forget to come back and let me know how it turned out! Feel free to share this recipe with your friends and follow me for more delicious, easy-to-make meals.

Call to Action:

Did you enjoy this recipe? I’d love to hear how your casserole turned out! Leave a comment below, share it with your friends, and follow me for more tasty weeknight dinner ideas!