Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comfort-food classic that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Bake Recipe. I absolutely love how this casserole turns out—creamy, cheesy, with tender bits of beef and perfectly cooked rice all baked together in one easy dish. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a weeknight favorite for you too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Bake Recipe plays its part in creating that rich, hearty depth of flavor. The key is balancing the beef, rice, and cheese perfectly. I always pick fresh mushrooms and real cheddar cheese for the best taste.

• Ground beef: Choose 85% lean for good flavor without too much grease.
• Italian seasoning: Adds a subtle herb kick that brings everything together.
• Butter: Divided use helps cook onions and enrich broth.
• Onions: Fresh diced onions provide sweetness and texture.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds that fragrant warmth I adore.
• Beef broth: Using broth instead of water adds tremendous savory depth.
• Uncooked long grain white rice: Not instant—this cooks perfectly in the broth.
• Sliced button mushrooms: Fresh and thinly sliced for earthy flavor and bite.
• Cream of mushroom soup: The creamy base that makes this bake so luscious.
• Milk: Any kind works—I usually grab whole milk for richness.
• Sour cream: This adds tanginess and creaminess you’ll notice in every bite.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a bold cheesy punch, divided for melting on top and mixing in.

Variations

I like to play around with this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Bake Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood — and honestly, it never disappoints. Feel free to try different cheeses or add some veggies to make it your own!

• Add Veggies: I once threw in some chopped bell peppers and peas for a pop of color and extra nutrition; my family loved it.
• Use Different Cheese: Swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella can change up the flavor profile nicely.
• Go Low Carb: Skip the rice and add cauliflower rice for a lighter option that still tastes amazing.
• Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives it a nice kick if you like heat.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Bake Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef with Seasonings

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and browning the ground beef. I like to sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning right away to build flavor as it cooks. Once nicely browned, drain the grease so your casserole isn’t greasy, then set the beef aside covered with foil to keep it warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, melt most of your butter (2 tablespoons) then add the diced onions. Let them sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and sweeten up. Toss in the garlic and cook just one more minute—you’ll want to smell that amazing aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 3: Cook the Rice in Broth

Pour in the beef broth along with the remaining butter and the uncooked rice. Give it a good stir to combine everything, then bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot tightly and let it cook for about 10 minutes—don’t stir the rice while it cooks, or it might get mushy!

Step 4: Add Mushrooms and Finish Cooking Rice

After those initial 10 minutes, scatter the sliced mushrooms over the rice, cover again, and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes depending on your rice package’s instructions. I always let it rest with the heat off for about 10 minutes wrapped up before stirring—this trick lets any stuck-on rice loosen up perfectly.

Step 5: Combine and Bake Your Casserole

Now the fun part—add back your cooked ground beef along with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half the shredded cheddar. Stir everything gently until well mixed. Pour this creamy mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover it, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Serve warm and watch everyone dig in!

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this bake with some freshly chopped parsley or green onions—it adds a fresh brightness that complements the creamy, cheesy flavors perfectly. A little sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on my plate is a fun way to add a hint of heat too.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple crisp green salad to balance out the richness. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans are also my go-to sides, adding color and nutrients without extra fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried baking this in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch that’s perfect when guests come over. Another favorite trick is adding a crunchy breadcrumb topping mixed with a little butter for extra texture before baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. I find the flavors actually meld together even better the next day!

Freezing

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Bake Recipe freezes well—just cover tightly with foil and a freezer-safe wrap. When I thaw and bake it again, I get nearly that fresh-baked taste without any sogginess.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just pop it in, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Bake Recipe has been a total game-changer for me. It’s that one casserole I turn to when I want something comforting, satisfying, and just plain easy. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you want to impress with minimal effort, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try—you’ll soon be making it over and over for the smiles around your table.

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