One evening, while rushing through my day, I stumbled upon a busy kitchen filled with laughter, chatter, and the scent of something savory wafting through the air. My friend was making a comforting dish: a cheesy ground beef rice casserole. The entire house seemed to settle into a cozy warmth as the aroma filled the room, drawing us all in.
As I watched her carefully layer ingredients into the casserole dish, I couldn’t help but be struck by how simple yet satisfying the meal was. There was no rush, no complicated steps—just good food made with love and a few quality ingredients.
We gathered around the table, sharing stories, and savoring every bite of the casserole, and in that moment, I realized how food has this incredible ability to bring people together.
That night, I knew I had to try this dish for myself, and now I’m thrilled to share it with you. It’s a comforting, no-fuss meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
Short Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole combines the rich flavors of savory beef, tender rice, and a cheesy topping that will melt anyone’s heart. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion, small diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of celery soup
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup instant rice
- 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Tools Needed
- Dutch oven or large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Cooking spray
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a Dutch oven or a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion.
Stir occasionally, breaking up the beef into crumbles, until it’s browned and the onion is soft, about 10 minutes.
Drain any excess grease, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Add the Soup and Seasonings
Stir in the cream of celery soup and beef stock. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, creating a creamy and savory base.
Step 3: Add Rice and Vegetables
Add the instant rice and frozen mixed vegetables to the pot. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top, ensuring every corner is covered.
Step 5: Bake and Broil
Cover the baking dish with nonstick foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Once done, remove the foil and place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the cheese. Optional: garnish with fresh or dried parsley before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comforting: A rich, cheesy casserole with the perfect balance of savory ground beef, hearty rice, and melty cheddar.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a warm, satisfying meal ready in less than an hour.
Customizable: Use different vegetables, cheeses, or add-ins to make this dish your own.
Family-friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike—everyone loves a cheesy casserole!
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Too Runny or Watery Casserole:
Solution: Ensure you drain excess grease from the beef before adding it to the casserole. Use only instant rice for the best texture as it absorbs moisture better.
Cheese Doesn’t Melt Evenly:
Solution: Make sure to spread the cheese evenly over the top before baking. If you notice it browning too quickly under the broiler, cover it back up with foil and bake a little longer.
Casserole Not Hot Enough After Baking:
Solution: Keep the casserole covered during baking to ensure even heat distribution. If it cools too much after broiling, simply reheat it in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Main Dish: Serve this casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli on the side to balance out the richness.
Pairings: Pair with a cold glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine, like Chardonnay, for a well-rounded meal.
Serving Style: Perfect for family-style dining or buffet-style dinners, especially for gatherings or potlucks.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, until hot. You may want to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating to refresh the cheesy goodness.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, you can use regular rice, but it will need to be pre-cooked before adding it to the casserole. Adjust the liquid ratio accordingly.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can swap the sharp cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the casserole up to the baking point, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables for your favorites like peas, carrots, corn, or green beans.
5. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the beef and onions, transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Tips & Tricks
Extra Cheese: For a crispier cheese topping, add a bit of extra cheese on top right before broiling.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or a meat alternative, and use vegetable broth in place of beef stock.
Seasoning Customization: Experiment with different seasonings like chili powder or cumin to give the casserole a more Southwestern flavor.
Recipe Variations
Mexican Twist: Swap the cream of celery soup for cream of mushroom or even a can of enchilada sauce. Add a cup of black beans and top with taco seasoning for a fun, zesty variation.
Spicy Casserole: Add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix before baking for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion small diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cans cream of celery soup
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup instant rice
- 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion for about 10 minutes, stirring and breaking the meat into crumbles, until browned and the onion softens.
- Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Add the cream of celery soup and beef stock, then mix in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Add the instant rice and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir well to evenly combine everything into the creamy mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Cover with nonstick foil and bake for 45 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is fully melted. Uncover and broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
