🧀 Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is the perfect dish. It’s hearty, creamy, and bursting with cheesy goodness — the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone to the table.

This one-pan wonder combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just want a warm, filling dinner that feels like a hug in every bite.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ One-pan comfort food – minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
✅ Family favorite – kid-approved and budget-friendly.
✅ Customizable – easy to add veggies or switch up cheeses.
✅ Freezer-friendly – perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

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🥘 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting casserole:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean preferred)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken, if preferred)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional — peas, corn, or carrots work great)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

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Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onion softens.
Drain excess fat if necessary.

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Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Stir in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly.

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Step 4: Combine Rice and Liquids

Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup directly into the skillet. Stir until fully combined.

If you’re adding frozen vegetables, stir them in now.

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Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

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Step 6: Add the Cheese

Remove the foil and sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Return to the oven (uncovered) and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy deliciousness! 🧀🍛

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🍅 Optional Add-Ins & Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Try these creative twists:

🌶️ Spicy Tex-Mex Version

Add 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, and a can of diced green chiles.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.

🥦 Loaded Veggie Version

Mix in 1–2 cups of chopped vegetables — broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach — before baking.

🍄 Mushroom Lover’s Casserole

Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture before baking for extra umami flavor.

🧄 Garlic-Parmesan Upgrade

Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ cup grated Parmesan to the cheese topping for a richer, savory twist.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

This casserole stores beautifully and makes excellent leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave individual portions until hot.

Tip: Add a splash of broth or milk before reheating to keep it creamy.

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🍽️ What to Serve With It

Pair your Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole with any of these sides for a complete meal:

• Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls
• Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts
• Cucumber tomato salad for a fresh contrast

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💡 Pro Tips for the Best Casserole

✨ Use good-quality cheese – freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged.
✨ Don’t overbake – once the rice is tender, remove from heat to prevent dryness.
✨ Let it rest – allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set before serving.
✨ For extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup sour cream before baking.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is everything you love about home-cooked comfort food — simple ingredients, rich flavor, and a creamy, cheesy finish that satisfies every craving.

It’s a hearty, no-fuss meal that’s perfect for weeknights or when you want to feed a crowd without stress. One bite of this warm, cheesy goodness, and you’ll see why it’s a family favorite that never goes out of style.

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