Cheesy ground beef rice has been a staple in my home for years, bringing a smile to everyone’s face, especially on busy weeknights. I remember my mom making a version of this when I was a kid, and the aroma of savory beef, fluffy rice, and melting cheese filling the house was pure comfort. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug. This easy cheesy ground beef rice recipe is simple enough for even beginner cooks, and it’s a fantastic way to create a satisfying quick cheesy ground beef rice dinner. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice
- The ultimate comfort food: savory ground beef, tender rice, and gooey cheese combine for an irresistible taste.
- Incredibly quick prep time: You can have this ready for the oven in just about 5 minutes!
- Budget-friendly family favorite: This satisfying meal uses simple, affordable ingredients that feed a crowd.
- A crowd-pleasing ground beef and cheese rice bake that even picky eaters adore.
- Healthier than you think: Packed with protein from the beef and wholesome rice.
- Versatile for meal prep: This ground beef and cheese rice bake reheats beautifully.
- A complete meal in one dish – no need for multiple side dishes!
Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Gathering these simple components is the first step to creating a delicious cheesy beef and rice skillet recipe. I find having everything prepped makes the process so much smoother!
- 1 pound ground beef, cooked – browned and drained, this is the savory heart of the dish
- 1 Can (10.5 ounces) Cream of Mushroom Soup – this provides a creamy base and rich flavor
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked – make sure it’s uncooked for perfect texture when baked
- 2 cups water – essential for cooking the rice
- 1 cup carrots, sliced – adds a touch of sweetness and color
- About 9 slices Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese – for that irresistible cheesy topping
- 13.9 ounces Pacific Foods Mushroom Gravy (for Semi-Homemade variation) – a shortcut for a rich sauce
- 1/2 Cup Milk (for Semi-Homemade variation) – to thin the gravy for a smoother consistency
- 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for From Scratch variation) – the base for sautéing aromatics
- 1/4 Cup Onion, minced (for From Scratch variation) – adds a sweet, pungent depth
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced (for From Scratch variation) – for that essential savory punch
- 1/2 Cup White Button Mushrooms, minced (for From Scratch variation) – adds earthy flavor and texture
- 3 Tablespoons Flour (for From Scratch variation) – used to thicken the sauce
- 1/2 Cup Cream (for From Scratch variation) – for ultimate richness and a velvety texture
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth (for From Scratch variation) – adds savory notes to the homemade sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (for From Scratch variation) – for a gentle warmth
- Salt, to taste (for From Scratch variation) – to enhance all the flavors
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Rice
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×9 inch baking dish. This ensures your delicious cheesy ground beef rice won’t stick.
- Step 2: For the Quick Recipe: In a mixing bowl, combine the 1 Can (10.5 ounces) Cream of Mushroom Soup, 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked, 2 cups water, 1 cup carrots, sliced, and your pre-cooked ground beef. Stir everything together until it looks like a happy, mixed-up casserole waiting to happen. This is the magic behind the easy cheesy ground beef rice recipe.
- Step 3: For the Semi-Homemade variation: Whisk together 2 cups water, 13.9 ounces Pacific Foods Mushroom Gravy, and 1/2 cup milk until smooth and creamy. In a large bowl, combine the 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked, cooked ground beef, 1 cup carrots, sliced, and the mushroom gravy mixture. Stir until everything is well combined, creating a wonderful base for your ground beef rice bake with cheese.
- Step 4: For the From Scratch variation: In a medium pan, melt 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter over medium heat. Sauté 1/4 Cup Onion, minced, 1 Clove Garlic, minced, and 1/2 Cup White Button Mushrooms, minced until they’re soft and fragrant. Whisk in 3 Tablespoons Flour and cook for about 30-60 seconds, just to get rid of that raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1/2 Cup Cream and 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens beautifully. Season with Salt, to taste and 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper. Remove from heat. In the prepared baking dish, combine this luscious cream sauce, 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked, 2 cups water, cooked ground beef, and 1 cup carrots, sliced. Stir until evenly mixed for the ultimate one-pan cheesy ground beef rice experience.
- Step 5: Pour your chosen mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly. This is where the magic starts to happen for your one-pan cheesy ground beef rice.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 90 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been beautifully absorbed. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily pierce the rice with a fork.
- Step 7: Arrange about 9 slices of Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the hot casserole. Watch as it starts to melt and get gooey – it’s a glorious sight!
- Step 8: Return the dish to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. The aroma will be incredible!
- Step 9: Let this amazing cheesy ground beef rice casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice.
Quick Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Recipe
For a super speedy meal, simply combine the cooked ground beef, uncooked rice, carrots, water, and cream of mushroom soup in your greased baking dish. Stir well, top with cheese, and bake until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted. It’s that simple!
Semi-Homemade Cheesy Ground Beef Rice
This version uses Pacific Foods Mushroom Gravy and milk for a richer sauce base. Combine the uncooked rice, cooked ground beef, carrots, and the gravy mixture in your baking dish. Bake until tender, then top with cheese and melt. It’s a fantastic shortcut for delicious flavor.
From Scratch Cheesy Ground Beef Rice
Elevate your cheesy ground beef rice by making the sauce from scratch! Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms in butter, then thicken with flour and whisk in cream and chicken broth. Combine this sauce with the uncooked rice, water, ground beef, and carrots in your dish. Bake until tender, then top with cheese and melt for a truly decadent meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Rice Bake with Cheese
Want to elevate your ground beef rice bake with cheese? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked rice and a wonderfully cheesy, flavorful casserole every single time. For more cooking tips, you can check out our guide to kitchen techniques.
- Always cook your ground beef thoroughly and drain off any excess grease before adding it to the casserole mixture. This prevents a greasy final product.
- For the best texture, use long-grain white rice. Other types of rice might not absorb the liquid as evenly, leading to a mushy or undercooked result. For more information on rice types, see our latest recipes.
- Don’t skimp on the resting time! Letting the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld and the structure to set, making it easier to serve.
What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Rice?
The key is in the liquid-to-rice ratio and ensuring the rice cooks completely within the creamy sauce. For delicious ground beef rice cheese casserole ideas, always use the specified amount of liquid; too little and the rice stays hard, too much and it becomes soupy. Understanding ingredient ratios is crucial in cooking, and you can learn more about it on our homepage.
Can I make Cheesy Ground Beef Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the cheese topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the cheese and increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s heated through. For more information on food safety and storage, consult our terms of use.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Ground Beef Rice?
A common pitfall is using undercooked rice. Make sure you bake for the full 90 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Another mistake is not draining the ground beef well, which can make the casserole greasy. Finally, don’t skip the resting period after baking!
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Rice
This hearty cheesy ground beef rice is practically a meal in itself, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides to round out the dinner. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a fantastic contrast to the richness of the casserole. Steamed broccoli or green beans also add a lovely fresh element. If you’re looking for something a little different, consider serving it alongside some garlic bread or even a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy kick. It’s a versatile dish that works wonderfully as a main course, making it a go-to for any night of the week when you need a satisfying and easy meal.
Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Ground Beef Rice
This comforting cheesy ground beef rice casserole is a satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you opt for the from-scratch sauce or different cheese varieties.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Ground Beef Rice
One of the best things about this cheesy ground beef rice bake easy is how well it stores and reheats! After baking, let your delicious casserole cool completely. This usually takes about an hour on the counter. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, this dish will stay fresh and tasty for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, you’re in luck! This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating is just as simple. For refrigerated leftovers, you can gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake the entire dish covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first for even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen in a 325°F (160°C) oven, covered, for about 45-60 minutes, adding the cheese topping during the last 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Ground Beef Rice
What is cheesy ground beef rice?
Cheesy ground beef rice is a comforting and hearty casserole dish that combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a generous amount of melted cheese, all baked together in a creamy sauce. It’s a classic American comfort food known for its simple preparation and delicious, satisfying flavor profile.
Why is cheesy ground beef rice popular?
Its popularity stems from its incredible ease of preparation, affordability, and universally loved combination of flavors and textures. It’s a fantastic go-to for busy weeknights, a reliable crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, and a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste. The combination of savory beef, tender rice, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible.
Can I use different types of rice?
While long-grain white rice is recommended for its ideal texture and liquid absorption, you can experiment with other types. However, be mindful that cooking times and liquid ratios might need adjustment. Brown rice, for example, will require more liquid and a longer baking time. For the best results with this cheesy ground beef rice recipe, stick to long-grain white rice.
What can I serve with cheesy ground beef rice?
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or peas add color and nutrients. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with garlic bread or a side of applesauce. It’s a complete meal on its own, but these additions can enhance the dining experience.
Variations of Cheesy Ground Beef Rice You Can Try
This cheesy ground beef rice is wonderfully adaptable! Whether you’re looking for a healthier option, a different cooking method, or just a flavor twist, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Make it a One-Pot Wonder: For an even easier cleanup, try the cheesy ground beef rice one pot method. Brown your ground beef directly in an oven-safe skillet, then stir in the uncooked rice, carrots, liquid, and seasonings before topping with cheese and baking.
- Go Lighter with Turkey: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey to reduce fat content. The flavor profile is slightly different but still delicious when combined with the creamy sauce and cheese.
- Add More Veggies: Amp up the nutrition and flavor by adding other vegetables like peas, corn, diced bell peppers, or even spinach. Stir them in with the carrots before baking.
- Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture before baking, or top with a dash of hot sauce before serving.
Amazing Cheesy Ground Beef Rice: Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It features tender ground beef, long grain rice, and carrots baked in a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheese. This easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice, uncooked
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 Cup Carrots, sliced
- 1/2–1 Pound Ground Beef, cooked
- About 9 slices Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese
- 13.9 ounces Pacific Foods Mushroom Gravy (for Semi-Homemade variation)
- 1/2 Cup Milk (for Semi-Homemade variation)
- 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for From Scratch variation)
- 1/4 Cup Onion, minced (for From Scratch variation)
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced (for From Scratch variation)
- 1/2 Cup White Button Mushrooms, minced (for From Scratch variation)
- 3 Tablespoons Flour (for From Scratch variation)
- 1/2 Cup Cream (for From Scratch variation)
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth (for From Scratch variation)
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (for From Scratch variation)
- Salt, to taste (for From Scratch variation)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×9 inch baking dish.
- For the Quick Recipe: In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, uncooked rice, water, sliced carrots, and cooked ground beef. Stir until evenly distributed.
- For the Semi-Homemade variation: Whisk together 2 cups water, mushroom gravy, and 1/2 cup milk until smooth. In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, cooked ground beef, sliced carrots, and the mushroom gravy mixture. Stir until combined.
- For the From Scratch variation: In a medium pan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced onion, garlic, and mushrooms until softened. Whisk in flour and cook for 30-60 seconds. Gradually whisk in cream and chicken broth. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. In the prepared baking dish, combine the cream sauce, uncooked rice, water, cooked ground beef, and sliced carrots. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 90 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Arrange about 9 slices of cheddar or Colby Jack cheese on top.
- Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the Cheesy Ground Beef Rice casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust ground beef from 1/2 to 1 pound based on preference.
- Use long grain white rice for best texture.
- For a creamier flavor, use the From Scratch variation.
- Ensure baking dish is 8×9 inches to avoid overflow.
- Substitute cheddar with Colby Jack or medium cheddar.
- If a thicker sauce is preferred in quick/semi-homemade versions, reduce water by 1/4 cup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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