Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Made with simple pantry staples like ground beef, rice, creamy soup, and cheese, this one-dish wonder comes together quickly and bakes into a warm, satisfying meal everyone will love.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beefoniongarlicuncooked long grain white ricebeef brothcream of mushroom or cream of chicken soupshredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend)Italian seasoningsaltblack pepperolive oilparsley (optional, for garnish)
directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
In a large bowl, mix cooked beef mixture with uncooked rice, broth, cream soup, half of the cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Remove foil, top with remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 55–70 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
Stir in peas, corn, or green beans for added veggies.
Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavors.
Make it creamy and cheesy with a dollop of sour cream mixed in.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the texture when reheating.Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use cooked rice?
Yes, reduce the broth by half and baking time to about 30 minutes.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Is the rice really cooked raw?
Yes, it cooks in the liquid as the casserole bakes—just make sure to cover tightly.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the broth slightly and extend baking time by 10–15 minutes.
What soup should I use?
Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken are both great options.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cream soup and broth.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a classic, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for feeding a hungry family or making ahead for busy nights. Cozy, cheesy, and comforting—this casserole is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Print
Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, creamy soup, and melty cheese. It’s easy to throw together, budget-friendly, and always a hit with both kids and adults. A warm, one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
2 cups beef broth (or water)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chopped green onions
Instructions
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Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
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Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain any excess fat. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Mix the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with rice, both soups, beef broth, cheese, and veggies if using. Stir until everything is well mixed.
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Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until rice is tender.
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Top and finish: Remove foil, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Let sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.
Notes
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Swap in brown rice, but increase broth and bake time slightly.
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Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
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You can prepare this in advance and refrigerate before baking (add a few extra minutes to bake time if cold).
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