Warm, savory, and packed with melty cheese, this Cheesy Cheddar Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It combines tender beef, creamy rice, and a hearty layer of cheddar, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty and filling without a lot of fuss. This casserole is a true family favorite and a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re gathering around the table for a casual dinner or prepping meals for the week, this satisfying dish never disappoints.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 cup uncooked white rice
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2 cups beef broth
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth.
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Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
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Add the cooked beef mixture to the bowl and stir until everything is well combined.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
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Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
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Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Hearty Classic for Every Home Cook
Cheesy Cheddar Beef and Rice Casserole is one of those dishes that truly defines comfort food. Rooted in traditional American home cooking, casseroles became popular in the early to mid-20th century when families needed affordable, filling meals that could stretch ingredients further and still feel satisfying. This particular version combines savory ground beef, tender rice, creamy mushroom soup, and loads of melted cheddar cheese — a match made in culinary heaven that has stood the test of time.
Home cooks love this casserole because it brings back a nostalgic sense of warmth and family togetherness. It’s the kind of meal that graces dinner tables after a long day, offering not just nourishment but comfort, simplicity, and satisfaction in every bite.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors
One of the biggest reasons why this Cheesy Cheddar Beef and Rice Casserole stands out is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy or expensive ingredients to make something incredibly delicious. Most of the items you’ll need are pantry staples — rice, ground beef, onion, garlic, cheddar cheese, and a can of cream of mushroom soup.
Each ingredient plays a role in building the layers of flavor. The beef brings rich umami depth, the rice offers a soft and hearty texture, the cheddar cheese adds gooey, sharp creaminess, and the soup ties it all together with a silky finish. Adding a few seasonings like paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce elevates the dish from basic to crave-worthy.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
If you’re looking for a meal that gives you more value for your time in the kitchen, this casserole is perfect. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping lunches for the week or enjoying leftovers. Unlike many dishes that dry out when reheated, the moisture from the soup and melted cheese keeps everything tender and flavorful even after a few days in the fridge.
You can portion it into meal prep containers or just keep the entire casserole covered in the fridge, ready to scoop out a hearty serving when hunger strikes. It also freezes well, allowing busy families or individuals to have a ready-to-bake meal on hand anytime.
Customizable to Suit Your Taste
Another reason why the Cheesy Cheddar Beef and Rice Casserole is such a beloved dish is its incredible versatility. You can easily tweak it depending on what you have at home or to suit dietary preferences.
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like peas, corn, green beans, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
- Use a different type of cheese like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a flavor twist.
- Make it spicy by adding diced green chiles, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a few spoonfuls of salsa to the mix.
These options mean you can keep the base recipe the same but enjoy different variations every time you make it.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Families with picky eaters will appreciate how universally loved this casserole is. The mild, cheesy flavor, soft texture, and familiar ingredients appeal to children and adults alike. It’s easy to sneak in some extra vegetables for kids without them noticing, thanks to the creamy and cheesy sauce that envelops every bite.
Because it’s so crowd-pleasing, it’s also a fantastic choice for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dinner parties. You can double the recipe and bake it in two dishes to feed a bigger group without any extra hassle.
Budget-Friendly Comfort Food
In today’s economy, finding meals that are budget-conscious yet satisfying is more important than ever. This casserole ticks all the boxes — it uses affordable ingredients, stretches a small amount of meat into multiple servings, and doesn’t require any specialty products that drive up grocery costs.
When you break down the cost per serving, this dish is far cheaper than eating out, and you get the added bonus of knowing exactly what’s going into your meal. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Tips for Making the Best Casserole
While this recipe is incredibly easy, a few small tips can take your casserole from good to absolutely outstanding:
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded bags for the best melt and flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before serving so it can set up nicely and slice cleanly.
- Grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Cover with foil during the first part of baking to trap steam and help the rice cook evenly.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Healthier Variations to Try
If you’re aiming for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor, here are a few healthy tweaks you can make:
- Substitute brown rice for white rice to add fiber and nutrients.
- Use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese and low-sodium soup to cut back on calories and sodium.
- Incorporate extra veggies like spinach, broccoli, or kale for a boost of vitamins and minerals.
- Choose lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce the fat content.
These small changes can make this hearty dish fit better into a healthier eating plan without losing its comforting appeal.
Conclusion
Cheesy Cheddar Beef and Rice Casserole combines everything you want in a home-cooked meal: hearty protein, creamy texture, cheesy indulgence, and a filling base that satisfies even the biggest appetites. It’s reliable, customizable, and always delivers rich, savory goodness.
Unlike complicated dishes that take hours of active cooking, this casserole frees you up — you spend a little time prepping, and then the oven does the rest of the work. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day and proves that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can make something truly extraordinary.