Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
A Rich, Creamy, and Hearty Comfort Dish
This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It combines seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese into a single, satisfying dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even potlucks, this casserole is a one-dish meal that comes together quickly and bakes to perfection in under an hour.
With tender rice, savory beef, a medley of vegetables, and a golden cheesy topping, every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your personal tastes or what you have in your pantry.
🛒 Ingredients List
For the Base of the Casserole:
✔ 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for flavor, or leaner if preferred)
✔ 1 small sweet onion, diced (yellow or white onion works too)
✔ 4 cloves garlic, minced (adds depth of flavor)
For the Creamy Sauce:
✔ 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of celery soup (substitute cream of mushroom or chicken if preferred)
✔ 1 ½ cups beef stock (for richer flavor, use homemade if possible)
✔ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✔ 1 teaspoon onion powder
✔ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary)
✔ 1 teaspoon paprika (adds warmth and slight smokiness)
✔ ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste based on broth’s salt content)
✔ ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best)
For the Rice & Vegetables:
✔ 1 cup instant rice (white or brown; see “Alternative Rice Options” below if using regular rice)
✔ 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, and corn; fresh works too!)
For the Cheesy Topping:
✔ 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for better melting)
Optional Garnishes & Toppings:
✔ Fresh chopped parsley (adds freshness and color)
✔ A sprinkle of red pepper flakes (for mild heat)
✔ A dollop of sour cream (adds tang and creaminess)
✔ Crispy fried onions or buttery breadcrumbs (for crunch on top!)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
🔹 1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Dish
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray, butter, or oil to prevent sticking.
🔹 2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
1️⃣ In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns.
2️⃣ Once the beef starts to brown, add the diced onion and continue cooking for about 5–6 minutes, until the onion softens.
3️⃣ Drain excess grease if necessary to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
4️⃣ Add the minced garlic and stir, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
🌟 Pro Tip: Draining grease prevents a greasy texture, but don’t remove too much fat, as it adds flavor!
🔹 3. Prepare the Creamy Casserole Sauce
1️⃣ Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the following ingredients:
- 2 cans cream of celery soup
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
2️⃣ Stir well until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
🌟 Pro Tip: If you prefer a creamier casserole, add ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture!
🔹 4. Add the Rice & Vegetables
1️⃣ Stir in 1 cup instant rice (white or brown).
2️⃣ Add the frozen mixed vegetables (no need to thaw).
3️⃣ Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
🌟 Pro Tip: If using regular long-grain rice, pre-cook it separately before mixing it in. See “Alternative Rice Options” below.
🔹 5. Assemble the Casserole & Add Cheese
1️⃣ Pour the entire mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2️⃣ Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top.
🔹 6. Bake to Perfection
1️⃣ Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the rice absorb moisture.
2️⃣ Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to fully melt and turn slightly golden.
🌟 Pro Tip: For an extra crispy cheese topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end!
🔹 7. Rest & Serve
1️⃣ Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2️⃣ Garnish with chopped parsley and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
3️⃣ Scoop and enjoy your warm, cheesy, and delicious casserole!
📌 Variations & Substitutions
1️⃣ Different Proteins
- Ground turkey or chicken – A leaner option with mild flavor.
- Sausage (mild or spicy) – Adds extra seasoning and a kick of flavor.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken – A quick way to use up leftovers.
2️⃣ Alternative Rice Options
- Regular Long-Grain White Rice: Cook 1 cup rice separately and mix it in.
- Brown Rice: Pre-cook according to package instructions.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option—stir it in before baking.
3️⃣ Add More Flavor!
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Smoky Twist: Swap paprika for smoked paprika.
- Crunchy Topping: Add crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions.
🫙 Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Microwave Reheating:
- Reheat individual portions for 1–2 minutes on medium power.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with:
✔ Garlic bread or dinner rolls
✔ A side salad with ranch or vinaigrette
✔ Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts
📊 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
✔ Calories: ~460 kcal
✔ Protein: 24g
✔ Carbohydrates: 40g
✔ Fat: 22g
✔ Fiber: 4g