Introduction

Few dishes bring as much comfort to the dinner table as a warm, cheesy casserole. This Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the kind of meal that feels like a big hug after a long day. Hearty, flavorful, and baked to perfection, it’s a one-pan wonder that the whole family will love.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Uncooked rice slowly absorbs the savory blend of beef broth, creamy mushroom soup, and seasoned ground beef while baking. The result? Perfectly tender rice infused with rich flavors in every bite.

Topped with a generous layer of melted Cheddar cheese that bakes into a golden, bubbly crust, this casserole is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you crave a family-friendly comfort food dinner that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat.

 

 

What You Need

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

 

How to Make Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

1. Preheat & Cook Beef – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Mix Ingredients – Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add uncooked rice, then mix in beef broth and cream of mushroom soup until well combined.
3. Assemble – Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly on top.
4. Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes longer until cheese is golden and bubbly.
5. Cool & Serve – Let sit for a few minutes before serving warm.

 

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food – A dish that both kids and adults love.
• Budget-Friendly Dinner – Simple pantry staples make this an affordable recipe.

 

Tips for Success

• Use long-grain white rice for the best texture.
• Don’t skip covering the casserole—the foil traps steam to help the rice cook evenly.
• For extra cheesiness, mix half the cheese into the casserole and sprinkle the rest on top.

 

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or chili powder.
• Veggie Boost – Stir in peas, carrots, or corn for extra nutrition.
• Creamier Option – Use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom.

 

 

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by about 15–20 minutes.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

3. What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack or mozzarella also melt beautifully.

4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

5. Do I need to cook the rice first?
No, it cooks in the oven with the beef broth and soup.

6. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 3–4 hours until rice is tender.

7. How do I prevent dry rice?
Make sure to measure the broth accurately and keep the foil on during the first bake.

8. Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely, both work well in place of beef.

9. What sides go best with this casserole?
A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The cheesy, creamy flavor is always a hit with kids.

 

 

Health Benefits

Rice provides a good source of energy and essential minerals.

Onions add antioxidants and natural sweetness.

Using lean ground beef helps reduce saturated fat.

 

How to Serve

This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with steamed green beans, a crisp salad, or warm dinner rolls for a complete meal.

 

 

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead – Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
• Storage – Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Freezing – Freeze baked casserole in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

 

Conclusion

This Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—simple, hearty, and filled with flavor. With tender rice, savory ground beef, and a cheesy golden topping, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for busy nights or when you just want something warm and satisfying, this casserole truly delivers.