There’s nothing quite like a good casserole. Growing up, my grandma always had one in the oven—warm, comforting, and ready to feed a crowd. And this Ground Beef and Rice Casserole brings all of that nostalgia straight to your table.
With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and one baking dish, it’s perfect for those weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Think juicy ground beef, tender rice, melty cheese, and just enough seasoning to make it irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- One-pan, oven-baked convenience
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
- Great for meal prep or freezer meals
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the onion and garlic until browned. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Mix Everything
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soups, broth, uncooked rice, half of the shredded cheese, and the cooked beef mixture. Stir until fully blended.
Step 4: Bake It Up
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese & Finish
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Variations
- Add veggies: Mix in frozen peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers for color and nutrition.
- Go spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or a few chopped jalapeños for heat.
- Switch the cheese: Monterey Jack or mozzarella also work beautifully here.
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef for a lighter version.
Serving Ideas
Pair this casserole with:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A slice of warm garlic bread
It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re home—even if you’ve had a long day.
Storage & Freezing
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions or the whole casserole (before or after baking) for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.
Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Casserole, Dinner
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Description
Satisfy your hunger with our Ground Beef and Rice Casserole – a cozy, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners and weeknight meals!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the onion and garlic until browned. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Mix Everything
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the soups, broth, uncooked rice, half of the shredded cheese, and the cooked beef mixture. Stir until fully blended.
Step 4: Bake It Up
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese & Finish
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Add veggies: Mix in frozen peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers for color and nutrition.
- Go spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or a few chopped jalapeños for heat.
- Switch the cheese: Monterey Jack or mozzarella also work beautifully here.
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef for a lighter version.
Keywords: ground beef casserole, rice casserole, easy casserole, family dinner, casserole recipe, meal prep casserole, budget-friendly casserole, comfort food casserole
FAQ About Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
1. Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain white rice?
While you can use instant rice, it may cook faster than the recipe intends. If using instant rice, reduce the baking time by 10–15 minutes and check for tenderness.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. If you assemble it and freeze it, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated through.
3. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup?
Yes! You can use a different variety of condensed soups, like cream of celery, or make your own homemade cream sauce if you’d prefer to avoid the canned soups.
4. Can I make this casserole with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great leaner alternative to ground beef. Just follow the recipe as written, and the casserole will be just as delicious.
