Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish – hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this one-pan meal blends savory beef, creamy sour cream, melty cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked rice with a touch of veggies. Quick to make and satisfying for all ages, this casserole will soon become a regular in your recipe rotation. In less than an hour, you can have a warm, homemade meal ready to enjoy.
Why You’ll Adore This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
- Quick & Effortless: Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A family favorite with rich, cheesy goodness.
- All-in-One Dish: Protein, carbs, and vegetables combined in one.
- Prep Ahead Friendly: Great for making ahead or freezing.
- Fully Customizable: Swap out ingredients to suit your taste and needs.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
- Cook the beef & onions: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until fully cooked and softened. Drain excess grease.
- Add seasoning & garlic: Stir in garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds.
- Combine ingredients: Lower the heat and add tomato sauce, cooked rice, peas, chicken broth, and 1 cup of cheese. Stir thoroughly until the cheese is fully melted and everything is blended.
- Transfer to dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Bake the base: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Prepare topping: Mix sour cream with the remaining cheese.
- Add topping & bake again: Spread the sour cream mixture over the casserole and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Rest & serve: Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
- Brown the beef thoroughly for richer flavor.
- Let the casserole rest briefly before slicing.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat: Substitute beef with turkey, chicken, or sausage.
- Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms for variety.
- Cheese: Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
- Grains: Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp garden salad.
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and add 5–10 extra minutes when baking.
Can I freeze it?
Definitely! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until hot.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Greek yogurt works perfectly for a lighter, tangy topping.
Do I need to use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, this recipe works best with cooked rice. For uncooked rice, adjust liquid and baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Thank you for visiting and trying this Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole! It’s one of my favorite easy meals – simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of our food-loving community!
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dinner made with ground beef, rice, veggies, and a creamy, cheesy topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep — quick, flavorful, and satisfying!
Ingredients
.1 cup cooked rice
1 pound ground beef
1 cup chicken broth
2 medium onions, diced
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
8 ounces tomato sauce
1 cup frozen green peas
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the beef & onions: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions until fully cooked and softened. Drain excess grease.
- Add seasoning & garlic: Stir in garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds.
- Combine ingredients: Lower the heat and add tomato sauce, cooked rice, peas, chicken broth, and 1 cup of cheese. Stir thoroughly until the cheese is fully melted and everything is blended.
- Transfer to dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Bake the base: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Prepare topping: Mix sour cream with the remaining cheese.
- Add topping & bake again: Spread the sour cream mixture over the casserole and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Rest & serve: Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melt and flavor.
Add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn for variety.
Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter option.
Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 1033 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 78 g
- Protein: 74 g