If you are looking for a comforting, satisfying, and downright delicious meal to please the whole family, look no further than this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. It brings together tender ground beef, fluffy rice, sweet carrots, and a luscious blanket of melted cheese into a cozy casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you choose the quick, semi-homemade, or made-from-scratch version, every bite is bursting with flavor and texture that will make this dish your new weeknight favorite.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, contributing taste, texture, and color, making this dish both flavorful and visually inviting.

Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can): Adds creamy richness and a savory mushroom undertone that ties everything together.
Long Grain White Rice (1 cup uncooked): Fluffs up perfectly to absorb the flavors while keeping a tender bite.
Water (2 cups): Essential for cooking the rice and melding the ingredients.
Carrots (1 cup sliced): Bring a natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
Ground Beef (1/2 to 1 pound cooked): The meaty, hearty backbone of the dish, packed with protein and flavor.
Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese (about 9 slices): Slices melt beautifully on top, creating that coveted gooey, cheesy finish.
Pacific Foods Mushroom Gravy (13.9 ounces): Used in the semi-homemade option to deepen the mushroom flavor.
Milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and lightness when mixed with gravy or soup.
Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): For sautéing and building a flavorful base from scratch.
Onion (1/4 cup minced): Offers aromatic sweetness that enhances the savory layers.
Garlic (1 clove minced): Adds a subtle pungency and warmth.
White Button Mushrooms (1/2 cup minced): Provide earthiness in the scratch-made sauce.
Flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the creamy mushroom sauce for scratch-cooked versions.
Cream (1/2 cup): Enriches the homemade sauce with silky texture.
Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Adds depth and umami in the sauce.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a subtle spice punch.
Salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously spray or grease an 8×9-inch baking dish. This simple prep ensures the casserole won’t stick and bakes evenly throughout the 90-minute cook time.

Step 2: Combine the Core Ingredients

Whether you’re following the quick recipe with cream of mushroom soup or the semi-homemade version using mushroom gravy, mix together the rice, water, sliced carrots, and cooked ground beef in a large bowl. This combination forms the hearty base of the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, with the rice absorbing the rich flavors during baking.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and place it in the oven, uncovered, for 90 minutes. During this baking time, the rice cooks perfectly, the flavors meld beautifully, and the carrots soften to a delightful tenderness.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping

After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and neatly layer about 9 slices of your chosen cheese—Cheddar or Colby Jack work wonders—over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for a few more minutes until the cheese is thoroughly melted, bubbly, and golden. This final touch creates the signature gooey topping that defines the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.

Step 5: (Optional) Make It From Scratch

For the truly dedicated, start by melting butter in a pan, then sauté minced onions, garlic, and mushrooms until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook briefly before gradually adding cream and chicken broth, cooking until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Incorporate this creamy sauce into your rice, beef, and carrots mixture before baking as usual. This scratch-made version intensifies the flavor and transforms the dish into an elevated family classic.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a splash of bright green color and fresh contrast, lifting the richness of the casserole. A dollop of sour cream on the side also pairs beautifully, introducing creaminess and tang.

Side Dishes

Though hearty on its own, this casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed lightly in vinaigrette. Steamed or roasted green vegetables like broccoli or green beans bring freshness and balance to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming presentation perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings. Layering the casserole with extra cheese between the baking stretches cheesy goodness in every bite, and topping with crunchy toasted breadcrumbs introduces an exciting texture variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole can be tightly covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Its flavors tend to deepen, making leftovers even more delicious. Just be sure to cool completely before storing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with foil or place it in an airtight container, then freeze for up to 2 months. To make dinnertime even easier, freeze in individual portions or the whole dish to thaw when needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through, about 20 to 30 minutes, or microwave individual servings, stirring occasionally for even heating. If frozen, allow overnight thawing in the fridge before reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice can be used, but you may need to increase the cooking time since it takes longer to become tender. Also, add a bit more liquid to ensure it cooks fully during baking.

Is ground turkey or chicken a good substitute?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe if you prefer a leaner option. Keep in mind that these meats are milder in flavor, so consider seasoning them well before mixing.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, peas, or corn for extra color and sweetness. Just chop them finely so they cook evenly within the 90-minute bake time.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

You can make your own creamy sauce using butter, flour, milk, garlic, and mushrooms as described in the scratch recipe step. Alternatively, use cream of chicken soup for a different but delicious flavor twist.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the homemade sauce, and ensure the gravy or soup you select is labeled gluten-free. Also, verify that any broths or other packaged ingredients meet gluten-free standards.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is one of those unbeatable dishes that delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one pan. Whether you whip it up quickly or savor the process of making it from scratch, it’s sure to become a beloved staple at your table. Don’t wait to try this recipe—it’s time to treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal filled with warmth and cheesy goodness!