First of all—thank you for being here! It means so much to me that you take the time to stop by, read my recipes, and bring them to life in your own kitchen. Every message, comment, and shared photo reminds me why I love doing this so much. So here’s to hearty meals and warm kitchens—your presence makes it all worthwhile!
Today’s recipe is an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights: a hearty Ground Beef & Rice Casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. If you crave old-fashioned comfort food that comes together without fuss—this one’s for you. I’m kicking myself for not having shot it bubbling away in my oven last week because the smell alone was pure cozy bliss!
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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
This casserole is one of those tried-and-true dinners that’s stood the test of time in my house.
✅ Quick & Easy: Simple pantry staples, minimal prep, and no fancy steps.
✅ Comforting Flavors: Creamy mushroom sauce, seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese—need I say more?
✅ Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters dive right in.
✅ Customizable: Toss in extra veggies to make it your own.
What Does It Taste Like?
Think of a cozy hug on a plate—rich, savory ground beef mingled with a creamy, slightly tangy sauce, tender rice soaking up all the goodness, and a melted cheddar blanket that bubbles to golden perfection. Anything but boring!!
Benefits of This Recipe
✔️ Feeds a Crowd: Generous enough for leftovers (hello, next-day lunch!).
✔️ Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday, affordable ingredients.
✔️ One-Dish Wonder: Fewer dishes, less stress.
✔️ Make-Ahead Option: Assemble ahead and bake when ready.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Cooked white rice | 1½ cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Frozen peas (optional) | ½ cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) | 1 tbsp |
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Mixing bowls
9×13 inch baking dish
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese—highly recommend!)
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
✨ Additions: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or diced carrots for extra veggies.
🔄 Substitutions:
Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken if that’s what you have.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost.
Try ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner version.
How to Make Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until the beef is cooked through and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
3️⃣ Combine Everything
In a big bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, cooked ground beef mixture, cooked rice, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Add frozen peas if you like that pop of green!
4️⃣ Assemble
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Smooth it out and top with the remaining cup of shredded cheddar.
5️⃣ Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until it’s bubbly and that glorious golden cheese crust has formed.
6️⃣ Serve
Let it rest for a few minutes, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’d like, then dig in!
What to Serve with This Casserole
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with:
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Warm garlic bread (because, why not?!)
Tips for Success
✨ Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded!
✨ Don’t Overcook the Beef: Cook until just browned—it’ll finish cooking in the oven.
✨ Make It Ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or pop the whole dish (covered with foil) back in the oven until warm.
You can also freeze it! Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use brown rice instead?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding—brown rice adds a nutty twist.
❓ Can I make this ahead?
Yes! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
❓ How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick!
Conclusion
There you have it—an easy, satisfying Ground Beef & Rice Casserole that checks every box for comfort, flavor, and simplicity. It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone running to the table—no complaints, just happy bellies!
✨ Craving more cozy meals? Check out my Cheesy Chicken & Rice Bake or Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole—two more weeknight winners you’ll come back to again and again.
Let’s Connect!
If you whip up this casserole, I’d love to see it! Leave a review below and share your photo on Pinterest—tag me so I can cheer you on!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: ~25g
Carbs: ~28g
Fat: ~23g
Stay warm, stay cozy, and happy cooking! 💛🍲
