health meal, low carbs meals, keto meal
in INSTANT POT DINNER RECIPES

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole – A Hearty Comfort Food

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Ingredients
  3. Instructions
  4. Cooking Notes
  5. Variations
  6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  7. Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—filled with savory ground beef, fluffy rice, tender vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s an all-in-one dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, making meal prep easy and cleanup a breeze.

With ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge, this casserole is not only simple but also super budget-friendly. Serve this delicious casserole alongside a fresh salad or your favorite vegetable side dish for a complete meal.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups beef broth (or water)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking for about 4-5 minutes, or until they become tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess grease if needed.

3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom (or cream of chicken) soup, and beef broth. Stir in the cooked ground beef mixture, frozen peas and carrots, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

5. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the mixture is hot and bubbly.

6. Add the Cheese Topping

Remove the aluminum foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese (if using) over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Notes

  • Ground Beef: For the best flavor, use 80/20 ground beef, but feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Rice: Make sure to use uncooked long-grain rice. If you use instant rice or precooked rice, you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio.
  • Vegetables: This recipe uses frozen peas and carrots, but you can add any vegetables you prefer, such as corn, green beans, or bell peppers.
  • Liquid Options: Beef broth adds extra flavor, but you can also use chicken broth or water if needed.

Variations

  • Spicy Cheesy Casserole: Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Mexican-Inspired Casserole: Replace the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add a can of diced tomatoes (drained), and use shredded pepper jack cheese for a zesty twist.
  • Creamier Casserole: For an even creamier texture, stir in 4 oz of cream cheese when mixing the casserole ingredients.
  • Low-Carb Version: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Adjust the baking time as cauliflower rice cooks faster.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! After assembling, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What type of rice should I use?

This recipe calls for uncooked long-grain white rice. If you prefer brown rice, be sure to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes as brown rice takes longer to cook.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire dish at 350°F until warmed through.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family. With tender rice, savory beef, melty cheese, and a creamy texture, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any time of year.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or want something simple and hearty for a Sunday dinner, this casserole delivers on flavor and ease. Give it a try for a cozy, delicious meal everyone will love!

Let me know if you’d like more variations or additional tips for this recipe!