Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Bake

This creamy cheesy ground beef rice casserole is my go-to for busy weeknights when I need something everyone will eat with zero fuss. It is the reliable fix for those evenings when comfort food takes top billing and only one pan needs cleaning up.

This dish grew out of the casseroles my mom used to make when I was little. The smell of browning beef and bubbling cheese always transports me back to her warm kitchen

Ingredients

• Ground beef: is the main savory base look for fresh bright red beef with a little fat for juiciness
• Cooked white rice: soaks up the sauce and ties everything together long grain rice works best for a fluffy texture
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup: forms the rich creamy binder choose a good brand with plenty of mushroom bits for flavor
• Whole milk: helps thin the sauce and meld everything together always use whole for extra richness
• Shredded cheddar cheese: gives this casserole its signature topping and gooey interior go for sharp cheddar and grate it yourself if you can for the best melt
• Worcestershire sauce: adds a hit of umami and depth make sure yours is fresh as this bottle sometimes lingers in the cupboard
• Garlic powder: brings gentle savoriness without the sharpness of raw garlic check your jar for freshness
• Onion powder: boosts flavor without chopping and tears choose pure powder with no fillers
• Salt and black pepper: for seasoning taste as you go to dial in flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven:

Set your oven to 175 Celsius so it is fully hot when the casserole is ready to bake

Brown the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet cook ground beef over medium heat until it is deeply browned and no pink remains use a spatula to break up chunks as it cooks then drain off excess fat for a cleaner flavor

Mix the Casserole Filling:

In a large mixing bowl combine the browned beef cooked rice cream of mushroom soup milk 100 grams of the cheddar cheese Worcestershire sauce garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper stir well so every bite is evenly seasoned

Layer in the Dish:

Spoon the mixture evenly into a 23 by 33 centimeter baking dish press it in gently to spread it out without compacting so it stays fluffy

Add Cheese Topping:

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top for the best cheesy crust

Bake the Casserole:

Place the dish on the middle rack and bake for about 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is bubbling at the edges

Cool and Serve:

Let it rest for at least five minutes after baking so the casserole sets up a bit serve warm for the best texture

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You Must Know

• Rich in protein and calcium for a satisfying meal
• Great make ahead recipe and freezes beautifully
• Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld

The cheddar cheese is my personal favorite ingredient because of how it bubbles and turns golden crisp on top My family always fights over the corners where the cheese gets crunchy and caramelized One time my husband snuck back to the kitchen after dinner just to pick off those cheesy bits

Storage tips

Cooled casserole stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days Leftovers reheat nicely in the microwave or oven If you want to freeze it wrap portions tightly and freeze up to two months Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating

Ingredient substitutions

Swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter version Use brown rice for extra fiber or try Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor If you need it dairy free use your favorite milk and cheese substitutes plus a non dairy mushroom soup

Serving suggestions

Serve as is or top with fresh scallions and a dollop of sour cream My family likes it with a side of peas or a crisp green salad For potlucks this casserole travels well and can be kept warm in a covered baking dish

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Cultural context

Casseroles like this have deep roots in American home cooking especially in the Midwest They became popular for stretchable meals that could feed a crowd while using simple pantry staples Creamy baked dishes like this one have long been the heart of family-friendly weeknight dinners

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?

Yes, cooked brown rice works, but it has a firmer texture and nuttier flavor. Make sure it is fully cooked before baking.

→ What cheese types melt best in this casserole?

Cheddar is ideal for its sharpness and melt, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella can also be used for creamy results.

→ Is it possible to prepare ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate up to one day in advance. Add extra bake time if starting from chilled.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, cool completely and store in an airtight container. Thaw overnight and reheat until piping hot before serving.

→ How can I add extra vegetables?

Mix in sautéed bell peppers, peas, or spinach when combining ingredients for added nutrition and taste.