The Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole Easy Comfort Food Dinner

By Lucas BennettSeptember 30, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a proper bit of comfort food , yeah? Ever craved something warm, cheesy ground beef casserole ground something that just screams "home"? This recipe hits the spot! It’s like a Sunday roast had a baby with a bowl of mac and cheese.

Why This Casserole Rocks

This dish, a classic Beef And Rice bake, hails from that good old American Midwest. Think church potlucks and Family Favorites .

It's ground beef casserole with rice at its finest. It's proper simple, ready in under an hour, making it a brilliant choice for those hectic weeknights.

This recipe makes about 6-8 servings. Perfect for the whole family, plus maybe some leftovers!

The Good Stuff Inside

Honestly, this Easy beef casserole recipe is more than just tasty. It's got protein from the Ground Beef , and a good helping of carbs for energy.

Perfect after a long day, or when you just need a pick-me-up. What makes it special? It’s so adaptable! Chuck in your favourite veg, swap the cheese make it your own One-pot beef casserole creation.

It is a Budget friendly casserole recipes .

Let's crack on and get you started on the ingredient list. This Cheesy ground beef bake is easier than you think!

Ingredients & Equipment: The Secret Sauce to Your Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole Ground

Right, let's talk ingredients. This cheesy ground beef bake isn't complicated, but using the right stuff makes all the difference.

Think of it as building a proper house you need good bricks. And budget friendly casserole recipes always help.

Main Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavour

Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Sets the stage for those veggies to sing.
Yellow Onion: 1 large, diced (about 1 cup / 150g). Don't skimp on the onion; it's the flavour base.
Green Bell Pepper: 1 , diced (about 1 cup / 150g). Adds a bit of sweetness and crunch.
Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g), 80/20 blend is best. Quality check: Go for a bright red colour, and a fresh smell. This is what Ground Beef is all about.
Garlic Powder: 1 tsp (5 ml). Can't go wrong with garlic.
Onion Powder: 1 tsp (5 ml). Enhances the oniony goodness.
Dried Oregano: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml). That classic Italian aroma.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml), optional. For a bit of a kick.
Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can (411g), undrained. Adds moisture and tang.
Tomato Sauce: 1 (8 oz) can (227g). Thickens the sauce and adds richness.
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tsp (5 ml). That secret umami bomb.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy! Season well.
Long grain White Rice: 1 cup (185g), uncooked. Basmati works great too! This will create Beef And Rice.
Chicken Broth: 2 cups (475 ml). Adds flavour to the rice as it cooks.
Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (225g), shredded. Because everything's better with cheddar.
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup (115g), shredded. For that melty, stringy goodness.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g), grated. Optional, but adds a lovely nutty flavour.

Seasoning Notes: Amp Up the Aroma

Honestly, don't be afraid to experiment with the seasoning. If you like a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder.

Smoked paprika also gives it a killer flavour!

Essential spice combinations: Garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano are the base. Worcestershire sauce is the MVP. Quick substitutions: If you don't have oregano, Italian seasoning works a treat.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You really don't need a whole kitchen arsenal for this Easy beef casserole recipe . A large skillet or Dutch oven and a 9x13 inch baking dish are the essentials.

Measuring cups and spoons and wooden spoon or spatula are super helpful. No fancy gadgets required! If you don't have a baking dish, a large oven safe casserole dish will do just fine.

That way you will get the ultimate Comfort Food .

This ground beef casserole with rice is all about Family Favorites . Let’s get cooking!

Cooking Method: Let's Talk Casseroles!

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good casserole? It’s proper comfort food , innit? Today, we’re diving deep into how to make the ultimate cheesy ground beef casserole ground .

Trust me, this recipe is an absolute family favorite .

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

The Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole presentation

First things first, mise en place is your best mate. Chop your onion (about 1 cup/150g) and green pepper (also around 1 cup/150g).

Get your 1 pound (450g) of ground beef ready. Gather your spices: garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave!).

Open your canned tomatoes (14.5 oz/411g) and tomato sauce (8 oz/227g), plus that all-important Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp/5 ml).

Now, before you get started with a beef and rice recipe, let’s talk rice. It's not a rice casserole unless we have rice: you need 1 cup uncooked rice and 2 cups chicken broth.

Shred your cheddar (2 cups/225g) and mozzarella (1 cup/115g). This whole process shouldn't take more than 20 minutes.

step-by-step: Casserole Magic

Alright, let’s build this cheesy ground beef bake !

Cook the rice by boiling the broth, then simmering for 18 minutes .
Sauté your onions and peppers in a pan with 1 tbsp olive oil for 5- 7 minutes .
Brown the ground beef. Drain the grease – nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Stir in the spices, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes .
Spread the rice in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the beef mixture.
Pile on the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes . The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown.
Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole

Don’t skimp on the seasoning! I add a pinch of smoked paprika, too. It’s lush. Also, cheese placement matters. Layer half the cheese within the beef mixture.

You know?, for the ultimate cheesy pull. The result is an easy beef casserole recipe that tastes like it took hours! Budget friendly casserole recipes that doesn't taste cheap, now!

Right, that's the ground beef casserole with rice done. I hope you enjoy this recipe for beef and rice . It's one of my favourite family favorites and I can't wait to share it with you.

Recipe Notes for the Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole Ground

Alright, mate! So you're about to tackle this cheesy ground beef casserole ground recipe? Ace! Before you get your apron on, let’s run through some key bits to make sure your dish is top-notch.

Honestly, these tips can take your ground beef casserole with rice from "meh" to "wow" in no time.

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look and Taste Amazing

Right, let's talk presentation. First off, a sprinkle of fresh parsley after baking makes it look proper posh. You know? When it comes to plating, a generous scoop next to a vibrant green salad works wonders.

The freshness cuts through the richness of this family favorites .

As for drinks, a simple glass of iced tea or a light bodied red wine like Beaujolais can be perfect.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

So, you've made a massive rice casserole . Now what? If you've got leftovers, let it cool completely before shoving it in the fridge.

It'll keep happily for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. Honestly, you will eat this comfort food until last bite.

Fancy freezing it? No worries! Cut it into portions, wrap them well, and it'll last for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's piping hot.

Job done.

Variations: Make it Your Own!

Fancy a bit of a twist? Why not try swapping out some ingredients! For a beef and rice experience with less carbs, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

And for a veggie option, you can always use lentils or Quorn instead of ground beef . It's still gonna be lush, I promise!

Got any other cheese in the fridge? Feel free to use it. Get creative, you know?

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

Let's be real, this cheesy ground beef bake isn't exactly a health food. But it's packed with protein thanks to the ground beef , and it's a good source of carbohydrates from the rice .

This recipe offers approximately 450-550 calories per serving.

For a slightly healthier version, use leaner ground beef and less cheese. This one-pot beef casserole will still be utterly delicious! And don't forget, homemade is always better than shop bought.

So, there you have it. Some handy hints to make your easy beef casserole recipe sing. Remember, cooking should be fun, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

You've got this! If you're looking for budget friendly casserole recipes , this is absolutely a winner.

Delicious Ground Beef Casserole Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Food

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cheesy ground beef casserole ground ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's going straight from the fridge to the oven to ensure it is heated through.

Just think of it as meal prep fit for a king or queen!

What's the best way to store leftover cheesy ground beef casserole?

Store any leftover cheesy ground beef casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

A little sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating never hurts, does it?

Can I use different types of cheese in this cheesy ground beef casserole ground recipe?

Of course! Feel free to get creative with your cheese choices. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a bit of pepper jack for a little kick would all work beautifully. A combination of cheeses adds depth of flavour. Think of it like a cheese board, but baked into a casserole!

Is there a way to make this cheesy ground beef casserole healthier?

Yes, there are several ways! You could use leaner ground beef or even ground turkey. Substituting the white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice will increase the fiber content and lower the carbs.

You can also reduce the amount of cheese used, or use a reduced fat cheese, but hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone!

What if my cheesy ground beef casserole ground is too dry?

If your casserole seems dry, you can add a splash of beef broth or tomato sauce to the beef mixture before baking. Alternatively, make sure you're using enough liquid when cooking the rice, as that is the foundation for moisture.

Covering the casserole with foil during the first half of baking can also help retain moisture.