Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is one of those go-to dishes that you can whip up on a busy weeknight and still have everyone asking for seconds. I remember the first time I made it, I was just trying to use up some ground beef and rice, and it ended up being one of those unexpected hits at the dinner table. You know the kind—where people go quiet because they’re too busy eating? That’s when you know you’ve nailed it! It’s cheesy, comforting, and easy enough that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s one of those meals that you can easily tweak depending on what you’ve got in your fridge.

 

This casserole is the definition of comfort food: warm, cheesy, and filling. I mean, who doesn’t love melted cheese over anything? The beef, rice, and tomatoes get all cozy in the oven, soaking up the flavors of garlic and Italian seasoning. Then, you stir in some sour cream and a big handful of shredded cheese to make it extra creamy before topping it off with even more cheese. It’s basically everything you want after a long day.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. You don’t want all that cheesy goodness sticking to the dish!
2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and garlic. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain the excess fat because nobody wants a greasy casserole.
3. Add the rice and liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Get cheesy: Once the rice is done, take the skillet off the heat and stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This step makes everything creamy and delicious.
5. Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, because let’s be honest, more cheese is always better.
6. Bake: Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and maybe even a little golden if you’re into that.
7. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve it up while it’s still warm and gooey. Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest!

Tips:

• Spice it up: If you want a little kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños with the beef.
• Add some veggies: Feel free to throw in whatever veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers, spinach, or even some frozen corn. It’s an easy way to sneak in some extra nutrition.
• Cheese swaps: Try swapping out some of the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. It’ll still be super cheesy and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs well with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies. And if you’re like me, a slice of garlic bread never hurt anyone—because let’s face it, more carbs are always welcome.

FAQs

 

1. Can I use a different kind of rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly add more broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.

 

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it as directed, though you might need to add a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

 

3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely. This casserole freezes well. Just make sure it’s fully cooled, then store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

 

4. What else can I add?
Get creative! You can add veggies like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms, or toss in some cooked bacon or sausage for an extra hit of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is one of those meals that’s going to find its way into your regular rotation. It’s simple, customizable, and always hits the spot. Plus, it’s kid-approved, so you know it’s a winner! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for something cozy and comforting to serve the family, this dish is a sure bet.