Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole | Easy Family Dinner Idea

Table of Contents: Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to whip up? This CHEESY GROUND BEEF RICE CASSEROLE is your answer! Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family dinners, this recipe combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese for a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

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Introduction: CHEESY GROUND BEEF RICE CASSEROLE

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven. This CHEESY GROUND BEEF RICE CASSEROLE is no exception—it’s a dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful, filling meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just need an easy weeknight solution, this casserole delivers every time.

What makes this recipe special is its versatility. With ground beef, rice, and cheese as the base, you can customize it to suit your preferences. Add veggies like frozen peas for a pop of color and nutrition, or swap out the cheese for your favorite variety. This BEEF AND RICE BAKE is also incredibly forgiving—perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

The best part? It’s a one-dish wonder! Simply layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy. This GROUND BEEF AND CHEESE CASSEROLE is comfort food at its finest, offering a delicious blend of savory flavors and creamy textures. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

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Alternate Names & Variations

This dish goes by many names, depending on who’s making it! You might know it as:
– Beef and Rice Bake
– Ground Beef and Cheese Casserole
– Easy Rice and Meat Casserole

If you’re looking to mix things up, try these variations:
– Use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
– Swap the tomato sauce for salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.
– Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or corn for extra crunch and flavor.

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Ingredients: CHEESY GROUND BEEF RICE CASSEROLE

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish:

• – 1 lb ground beef (lowest fat amount possible)
• – 2 onions, diced
• – 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• – 1 small can tomato sauce
• – 1 cup cooked rice
• – 1 cup chicken broth
• – 1 cup sour cream (I use fat-free)
• – 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work great)
• – Salt, pepper, and oregano (to taste)
• – 1 cup frozen peas

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic powder, cooking until the onions are soft and the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat.

3. Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and sour cream. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, frozen peas, and ground beef mixture. Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish.

5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

6. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Chef Tip: For extra flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika to the beef mixture.

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Recipe Card Block

This CHEESY GROUND BEEF RICE CASSEROLE takes just 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making it an ideal dish for busy evenings. The recipe yields 4 servings, with each serving containing approximately 450 calories.

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This recipe is a winner because it’s both simple and satisfying. The combination of ground beef, rice, and cheese creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners. Here’s why it stands out:
– Easy-to-Find Ingredients: You likely have most of these items in your pantry or fridge already.
– Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap the cheese for a different variety.
– Crowd-Pleasing: Both kids and adults love this dish, making it a go-to for gatherings.

Expert Tip: For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes after baking.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

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People Also Ask: CHEESY GROUND BEEF RICE CASSEROLE

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are popular choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or Monterey Jack. Each cheese will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.

Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the casserole?

Yes, the rice should be cooked before adding it to the casserole. This ensures that it absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients and has the right texture once baked.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli can be added for extra nutrition and flavor. Simply dice them finely and mix them in with the other ingredients before baking.

Can this casserole be frozen?

Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months.

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Conclusion: CHEESY GROUND BEEF RICE CASSEROLE

This CHEESY GROUND BEEF RICE CASSEROLE is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a quick dinner solution, this dish won’t disappoint. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your results with us in the comments below!

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