A cheesy ground beef rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty family meal. I still remember the first time my grandmother made this dish on a cold Tuesday evening. The smell of melted cheese and savory beef filled the kitchen, and everyone gathered around the table without being asked twice.
This ground beef casserole combines tender meat, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese in one satisfying dish. It’s one of those beef recipes for dinner that saves busy parents on hectic weeknights. You probably have most ingredients in your pantry right now.
The beauty of this easy hamburger rice casserole lies in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy cooking skills or expensive ingredients. Just brown some meat, mix everything together, and let your oven do the work. Within 45 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling, golden casserole that feeds six hungry people.
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What You Need for This Ground Beef Casserole
The ingredients for this rice casserole are straightforward and budget-friendly. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or hamburger meat)
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
Seasonings:
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
Most of these items are pantry staples. If you’re missing the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken works just as well. The key is using ingredients you can grab from your kitchen without making a special trip to the store.
Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio. This provides enough flavor without making your casserole greasy. Leaner meat works too, but you might need to add a small pat of butter for moisture.
How to Make Beef and Rice Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Making this ground beef and rice casserole is simpler than you might think. Follow these clear steps for perfect results every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Brown the Hamburger Meat Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the meat is completely browned with no pink remaining. Drain the excess fat by tilting the pan and using a spoon to remove it.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked ground beef and rice. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Add 1 cup of the shredded cheese (save the rest for topping). Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan. This ensures consistent cooking and prevents dry spots.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This creates that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese layer everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot throughout, bubbling around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted with slight golden spots.
Step 7: Rest and Serve Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the casserole set slightly, making it easier to serve without everything running together.
Expert Tips for the Best Hamburger Rice Casserole
Want to take your beef casserole from good to amazing? These tips come from years of making this dish.
Cook Rice in Broth Instead of plain water, cook your rice in beef broth. This simple swap adds incredible depth of flavor. One home cook shared that this trick made her family ask for seconds every time.
Don’t Skip Draining the Fat Always drain excess grease from your cooked ground beef. Too much fat makes the casserole oily and can affect the texture of your rice casserole.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients Let your cream of mushroom soup and milk sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing. Cold ingredients can cause uneven cooking and affect how the cheese melts.
Variations to Try:
Add vegetables for extra nutrition. Frozen peas, diced carrots, or chopped broccoli work wonderfully. Just thaw and drain them first.
Try different cheese combinations. Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. A Mexican cheese blend creates a southwestern twist.
Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Start small and adjust to your family’s heat tolerance.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Just add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan since these meats are drier than beef.
Swap cream soups based on what you have. Cream of celery or cream of chicken both work perfectly in this ground beef casserole recipes easy format.
Add a Crunchy Topping Before the final 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle crushed crackers, French fried onions, or panko breadcrumbs over the cheese. This adds a delightful texture contrast.
Make It Ahead Assemble this beef and rice casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. Add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
What to Serve with Your Beef Casserole
This cheesy hamburger rice casserole is a complete meal on its own, but certain sides make dinner even better.
Fresh Green Salad A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. Use a simple vinaigrette to keep things light.
Roasted Vegetables Green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and garlic complement the creamy texture perfectly. The slight char adds a nice flavor balance.
Garlic Bread Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce. Toast some French bread slices with butter, garlic powder, and parsley.
Steamed Corn Sweet corn kernels add color and a pop of sweetness that kids especially enjoy. Keep it simple with just butter and a pinch of salt.
Coleslaw A tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness of the beef casserole recipes. The crunch and acidity refresh your palate between bites.
Why This Easy Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Works
This cheesy ground beef rice casserole has earned its place as a family favorite for good reasons. It delivers comfort food satisfaction without requiring culinary expertise or hours in the kitchen.
The combination of ground beef and rice creates a filling, protein-packed meal that stretches your grocery budget. One casserole feeds six people for less than the cost of takeout. It’s practical, delicious, and reliable.
What makes this dish truly special is its flexibility. You can adapt it to use whatever cheese or vegetables you have on hand. It works for Sunday dinners, potlucks, and those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
The leftovers are arguably even better the next day. The flavors meld together as it sits, and reheating is effortless. Pack it for lunch, or have an easy dinner ready when you get home from work.
This hamburger meat recipes classic proves that simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying. Give it a try tonight, and you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner.
Common Questions About Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, brown rice works perfectly in this ground beef and rice recipes easy dish. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it in, as brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. You may need to add 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra liquid to keep the casserole moist.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble your beef casserole up to one day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, bake as directed, adding 5 to 10 extra minutes since it’s starting cold.
Is there a dairy-free version? You can create a dairy-free version by using plant-based cheese and a dairy-free cream soup. Many stores now carry these alternatives. The texture will be slightly different, but the dish remains delicious.
What kind of cheese works best? Cheddar cheese is traditional and provides that sharp, tangy flavor. However, Monterey Jack melts beautifully and offers a milder taste. Mozzarella creates extra stretchiness. Feel free to use a combination of your favorites.
How can I make this gluten-free? Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check your Worcestershire sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free. Most brands now offer gluten-free versions. The rice and beef are naturally gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Use a larger baking dish or split it between two 9×13-inch pans. This works great when feeding a crowd or preparing freezer meals.
Is it okay to use instant rice? Instant rice can work in a pinch. Reduce the milk by 2 tablespoons since instant rice absorbs less liquid. Keep an eye on the texture and adjust as needed.
Can I freeze it before baking? You can assemble the entire casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15 to 20 extra minutes to the cooking time. Cover with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
What side dishes go well with this? This beef and rice dish pairs beautifully with green salads, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or steamed green beans. Any light, fresh side balances the richness of the casserole.Can I add a crunchy topping? Crushed Ritz crackers, French fried onions, or seasoned breadcrumbs make excellent crunchy toppings. Add them during the last 10 minutes of baking so they toast without burning.
