Few dishes can compete with the warmth of a homemade casserole fresh out of the oven. This Easy Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect blend of savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese—all baked together in one dish for a crowd-pleasing dinner.
This recipe is more than just comfort food—it’s budget-friendly, customizable, and family-approved. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a hearty dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to deliver.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One-dish meal = less cleanup.
- ✅ Family-friendly and kid-approved.
- ✅ Affordable—feeds 6–8 people for under $15.
- ✅ Customizable with endless add-ins.
- ✅ Freezer-friendly for busy weeknights.
This casserole combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a hearty beef-and-rice base, making it a weeknight hero recipe.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ cups medium-grain rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
🔄 Ingredient Substitutions & Add-Ins
| Ingredient | Substitute | Add-Ins |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb | Black beans, lentils |
| Cheddar Cheese | Pepper jack, gouda, or parmesan | Smoked gouda for depth |
| Rice | Brown rice (longer cook time), quinoa | Wild rice blend |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | Cream of chicken soup, homemade roux | ½ cup sour cream |
| Bell Pepper | Zucchini, mushrooms, or frozen peas | Jalapeño for spice |
🍳 Kitchen Tools Required
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep (10 mins):
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cook (45–60 mins):
- Brown beef – Heat olive oil in skillet, cook ground beef until no longer pink (5–7 mins).
- Add vegetables – Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté 3–4 mins.
- Season – Mix in oregano, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Toast rice – Add uncooked rice and stir for 1–2 mins.
- Combine liquids – Stir in broth, soup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Transfer to dish – Pour mixture into casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake – Bake 45 mins covered.
- Add cheese – Remove foil, sprinkle 1½ cups cheddar + mozzarella. Bake 15–20 mins uncovered.
- Rest & serve – Let rest 10 mins. Top with parsley + remaining cheddar.
🔬 Expert Tips & Cooking Science
- Toast the rice before adding broth → prevents mushiness and boosts flavor.
- Browning beef deeply = umami-rich base. Don’t rush this step.
- Let it rest → the starches in rice need 10 mins to set, ensuring clean slices.
- Shred cheese yourself → melts creamier than pre-shredded.
❄️ Make-Ahead, Freezer & Reheating Guide
- Make-Ahead: Assemble casserole (without final bake), refrigerate 24 hrs, then bake.
- Freezer: Cool completely, wrap tightly, freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Add splash of broth, cover with foil, bake at 350°F for 20 mins.
🥗 Nutrition Information (per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
💰 Cost Breakdown (2025 Prices – approx.)
- Ground beef (1½ lbs): $7.50
- Rice (1½ cups): $1.20
- Cheese (2½ cups): $3.80
- Vegetables + pantry items: $2.00
➡️ Total: $14.50 (~$1.80 per serving)
🌮 Delicious Variations
- Tex-Mex – Add taco seasoning, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
- Italian – Use marinara + mozzarella + parmesan.
- Greek – Try ground lamb, oregano, feta, and kalamata olives.
- Spicy Southwestern – Add jalapeños, cayenne, and crushed tortilla topping.
🥗 What to Serve With This Casserole
- Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Refreshing iced tea or red wine
📏 Scaling Guide
| Servings | Ground Beef | Rice | Broth | Cheese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | ¾ lb | ¾ cup | 1½ cups | 1¼ cups |
| 8 | 1½ lbs | 1½ cups | 3 cups | 2½ cups |
| 12 | 2¼ lbs | 2¼ cups | 4½ cups | 3¾ cups |
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but increase broth to 4 cups and bake 15–20 mins longer.
Q: Can I make this casserole without soup?
Yes, replace with 1 cup sour cream or a homemade cream sauce.
Q: How do I make this lighter?
Use ground turkey, reduced-fat cheese, and low-sodium broth.
Q: Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on LOW 4–5 hrs or HIGH 2–3 hrs. Add cheese at the end.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole is proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals. It’s comforting, affordable, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Serve it fresh from the oven, enjoy the leftovers for days, and don’t forget to try one of the fun variations to keep things exciting!
Until next time—happy cooking and even happier eating!
