Looking for a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love? This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with savory ground beef, tender mushrooms, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice, it’s an all-in-one dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.
With simple pantry staples and minimal prep, this casserole is not only delicious but also budget-friendly. It’s versatile enough to customize with extra veggies, different cheeses, or even leaner proteins, making it a family favorite that’s easy to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Complete Meal: Packed with protein, rice, and creamy cheese for a one-dish dinner.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, savory flavors.
- Versatile & Customizable: Add vegetables, switch proteins, or mix cheeses to your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and bake when ready, perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 3 Tbsp butter, divided
- ¾ cup diced onions
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2½ cups beef broth
- 1¼ cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 8 oz sliced button mushrooms
- 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk (any kind)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
Optional: fresh parsley or Italian herbs for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess grease and set aside, keeping it covered with foil to stay warm.
3️⃣ Sauté Onions & Garlic
In the same pot, melt 2 Tbsp butter. Sauté the onions for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
4️⃣ Cook Rice in Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Stir in uncooked rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Add sliced mushrooms, cover again, and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes until the rice is tender.
5️⃣ Let Rice Rest
Turn off heat and leave the pot covered for 10 minutes. This ensures the rice absorbs any remaining liquid and stays fluffy.
6️⃣ Combine Ingredients
Stir in the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined.
7️⃣ Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
8️⃣ Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9️⃣ Serve
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or Italian herbs if desired. Perfect with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Customization & Tips
Protein Options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Vegetables: Add bell peppers, spinach, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
Cheese Variations: Mix cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda. Try pepper jack for a mild kick.
Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and plant-based milk, sour cream, and cheese alternatives.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of milk for creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use instant rice? Yes, but adjust cooking time and add rice later with other ingredients to avoid mushiness.
What’s a substitute for cream of mushroom soup? Make a quick roux-based cream sauce or use cream of chicken soup.
How to make it lighter? Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Can I make it ahead? Yes! Prepare the casserole and refrigerate before baking. Add extra minutes to baking if chilled overnight.
How to prevent it from drying out? Use the full amount of beef broth, don’t overcook the rice, and cover the casserole while baking.