Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

 This hearty casserole brings together savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked rice into one comforting and satisfying dish. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make ahead and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks!

Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a make-ahead freezer meal, this casserole ticks all the boxes. You’ll also find that many of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it a reliable go-to recipe. For more comforting dishes, you can check out this classic creamy chicken bake from our curated collection on tinsuf.com.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup uncooked rice (white or jasmine)

• 2 cups beef broth or water

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.

2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. In a separate pot, cook the rice with broth or water until tender (about 15 minutes). You can also use leftover cooked rice.

4. In a large bowl, combine beef mixture, cooked rice, sour cream, cream soup, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir until well mixed.

5. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the top.

6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

8. Time & Servings:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Servings: 6

Storage & Reheating:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in the microwave or oven at 300°F until warmed through.

• This dish also freezes well — freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Tips & Variations:

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Add steamed broccoli or green beans for extra veggies.

• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a cheesy twist.

• Add a layer of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top for crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free cream soup and double-check the broth ingredients.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate until baking.