If there’s one dish that checks all the boxes for comfort food, it’s the cheesy ground beef rice casserole. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it’s packed with flavor — the kind of dish that makes you feel at home with every bite. This recipe blends hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, rich cream soup, and loads of melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something warm, filling, and easy.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
So, what makes this casserole so special? It’s the magic of simple ingredients coming together in the best way possible. The ground beef provides a rich, savory base, the rice gives it that satisfying bulk, and the cheese—oh, the cheese—binds it all together into a gooey masterpiece. Plus, it’s customizable! Want it spicy? Toss in some jalapeños. Going meatless? Swap the beef for beans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this cheesy masterpiece:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, small diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of celery soup
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (see notes below)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (see notes below)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup instant rice
- 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
How to make cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Making cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Follow these easy steps for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal!
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
Cook the Beef and Onion
Place a large skillet or Dutch oven with deep sides over medium heat.
Add:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
Break up the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Stir frequently until the meat is fully browned (no pink left) and the onion is soft. This should take about 10 minutes.
Drain and Add Garlic
Drain any excess grease from the pan.
Add:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Stir and cook for 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then remove the skillet from heat.
Stir in Sauces and Seasonings
To the skillet, add:
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of celery soup
- 1½ cups beef stock
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Stir well until everything is fully combined.
Add Rice and Vegetables
Mix in:
- 1 cup instant rice
- 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables (no need to thaw)
Stir until the rice and veggies are evenly distributed in the mixture.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the top of the casserole with:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Make sure the cheese is spread out evenly over the surface.
Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish with nonstick foil (or spray the underside of regular foil to prevent sticking).
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
Broil for a Golden Top (Optional)
Remove the foil and place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to lightly brown the cheese.
Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a couple of minutes.
Top with chopped fresh or dried parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Tips for Perfecting Your Casserole
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives your casserole a creamier texture compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Brown the Beef Well – Make sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly and break it into small crumbles. This helps distribute the flavor evenly throughout the casserole.
- Customize with Veggies – Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to make the dish even more flavorful and nutritious.
- Season to Taste – Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning. Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Can I make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole ahead of time?
es, you can definitely make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole ahead of time! In fact, it’s a great dish for meal prep. Here’s how to do it:
- Assemble the Casserole – Follow the recipe and assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it yet.
- Store It in the Fridge – Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking.
- Bake When Ready – When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbly. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold.
Frequently Asked Questions about cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice works great in this casserole. Just be sure to cook it ahead of time, as it takes longer to cook than white rice.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat can be used for a lighter or vegetarian version.
How do I make the casserole spicier?
If you like a little heat, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to eat. You can also freeze it for later.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Final Thought
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a true comfort food classic. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding the whole family. Whether you’re making it ahead for a busy week or serving it fresh out of the oven, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!
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Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1hour 15minutes
Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding the whole family on busy nights!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, small diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of celery soup
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (see notes below)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (see notes below)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup instant rice
- 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
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In a dutch oven or large skillet with deep sides over medium heat, add 1 pound ground beef and 1 small sweet onion, small diced. Break up the beef into crumbles, stirring often until there is no pink left, and the onions have softened – about 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
-
Add 4 cloves garlic, minced, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, and take off the heat.
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Stir in 2 (10.5 ounce) 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, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
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Add 1 cup instant rice and 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables and stir to combine. Add the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
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Top with 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and cover with nonstick foil. Bake for 45 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
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Uncover and place under the broiler to lightly brown the cheese. Top with some dried or fresh parsley (optional) and serve!
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 1hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
