Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect choice! This family-friendly meal combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, making it a sure hit for dinner time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual get-together, this cheesy casserole is a crowd-plea

ser. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly delicious, and an absolute favorite for all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole is everything you want in a weeknight dinner. It combines the richness of ground beef, the heartiness of rice, and the cheesy goodness that everyone craves. With only a few basic ingredients, you can whip up this dish in no time. Plus, the casserole is v

ersatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies, spices, or toppings!

The Key Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen! Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef – The star of the dish! Lean ground beef gives you that savory flavor while keeping the dish satisfying.
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked – The rice absorbs all the wonderful flavors and creates a hearty base for the casserole.
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained – These tomatoes add moisture and tang, which brings balance to the rich flavors of the beef and cheese.
1 cup beef broth – This helps cook the rice and adds extra depth to the casserole’s flavor.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Cheese lovers will appreciate this! The cheese melts beautifully on top, forming a gooey, golden crust.
1 medium onion, chopped – For a subtle sweetness and savory bite, onions are a must.
1 cup bell pepper, chopped – Bell peppers add a nice crunch and pop of color to the dish.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic brings that unmistakable aromatic flavor that elevates the entire casserole.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A simple blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, giving the dish a classic, flavorful taste.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Season the dish to taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – A dash of black pepper brings out the richness of the beef and the cheese.

Now that we know what goes into this delightful casserole, let’s move on to the preparation steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Making this casserole is as easy as it gets. It requires minimal prep, and the oven does most of the work. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the Oven (Prep Time: 5 Minutes)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil, so the casserole doesn’t stick.

2. Cook the Ground Beef (Cooking Time: 5-10 Minutes)

In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, drain any excess fat.

3. Add the Vegetables and Garlic (Cooking Time: 5 Minutes)

To the beef, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become tender.

4. Combine the Ingredients (Cooking Time: 3-5 Minutes)

Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well, making sure the rice is evenly coated with the flavorful beef and tomato mixture.

5. Transfer to the Baking Dish (Prep Time: 3 Minutes)

Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so the rice is covered with the beef and vegetables. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep in the moisture while it bakes.

6. Bake the Casserole (Cooking Time: 30-35 Minutes)

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is soft and the beef is fully cooked.

7. Add the Cheese (Cooking Time: 5-10 Minutes)

Once the casserole is done, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish with your family, friends, or anyone who loves a hearty meal!

Why This Casserole is Perfect for Family Meals

One of the best things about Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is that it’s incredibly filling, making it perfec

t for a family meal. The combination of beef, rice, and cheese provides a complete meal, and it’s easy to make enough to feed everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing comfort food for a get-together, this casserole will hit the spot!

Plus, this casserole is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add in some extras like peas, corn, or mushrooms to change things up. You can also swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.

Customizing Your Casserole

If you’re looking to add a little extra flair to this recipe, there are plenty of ways to customize it. Here are some ide

as:

Vegetables: Add other vegetables like zucchini, peas, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional value and add even more flavor.
Seasonings: Experiment with different spices or herbs, such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder, to give the casserole a new twist.
Toppings: For an extra crispy top, you can add a layer of breadcrumbs before baking. Alternatively, sprinkle some green onions or fresh parsley on top for added color and freshness.
Cheese: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to mix it up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Don’t Skip the Foil: Make sure to cover the casserole with foil while baking the rice. This will help the rice cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the broth and beef.
Drain Excess Fat: If your ground beef has a lot of fat, be sure to drain it before adding the vegetables. This will keep your casserole from being greasy.
Let It Rest: Once the casserole is done, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! This casserole makes for great leftovers. To store, simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or heat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until heated through. You might want to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating for that melty, cheesy goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes! You can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or even instant rice. However, you may need to ad

just the cooking times slightly, especially if you’re using brown rice, which takes longer to cook.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe as a leaner option. The flavors will be slightly different but just as delicious.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to cook, bake it according to the instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:

Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

By following these steps and tips, you’ll have a Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole that’s sure to become a staple in your family’s meal rotation. Enjoy

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, one-pan meal that’s perfect for family dinners. Loaded with savory ground beef, tender rice, and melty cheddar cheese, this hearty dish is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone at the table. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, it’s a meal everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
Combine the Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Transfer to the Baking Dish: Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Add the Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

If you want a spicier kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6th of the casserole
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg

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