Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

You know those days when your brain feels like overcooked pasta and the last thing you want is another complicated dinner? That’s when I reach for my trusty Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole. This dish has saved many a Tuesday at our house—and more than one hangry meltdown (from both kids and adults, let’s be honest).

Loaded with beef, gooey cheddar, and cozy cream of mushroom soup, it’s basically a warm hug in a 9×13 dish. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and it reheats like a dream. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew after soccer practice or meal-prepping for a busy week, this casserole deserves a spot on your regular rotation. Bonus: it only takes 40 minutes from start to finish.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

• One-dish wonder: Less mess, more dinner.
• Quick & easy: 15 minutes of prep, then your oven does the heavy lifting.
• Kid-friendly: No suspicious green bits. Just creamy, cheesy comfort.
• Flexible: Toss in veggies, swap the cheese, or spice it up—she’s versatile.
• Leftover gold: Tastes even better the next day (truth).

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the fat (I use a colander over the sink—less splatter!).
3. In a large bowl, mix the beef, cooked rice, soup, milk, 1 cup of cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Top with the remaining ½ cup cheese.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, until it’s bubbly and the cheese is perfectly melty.
7. Serve warm. Try not to go back for thirds.

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Melania’s Tips for Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

• Use day-old rice: It holds up better and won’t turn to mush.
• Cheese matters: Sharp cheddar gives more flavor punch.
• Don’t skip the Worcestershire: That little splash brings savory depth—your secret weapon!
• Want a crispy top? Broil for 2–3 minutes after baking.

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Bake It With the Littles

Get your kiddos involved! Mine love:

• Sprinkling the cheese (and sneaking a few nibbles)
• Mixing everything in the big bowl
• Setting timers and shouting “DINNER TIME!” like it’s a game show

Letting them help gives them ownership—and they’re way more likely to actually eat it.

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Meal-Prep Magic

This casserole is your weeknight superhero:

• Make it ahead: Assemble in the morning, bake at night.
• Freeze it: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat like a pro: A splash of milk and a foil cover keep it moist in the oven or microwave.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

Looking to lighten it up a bit?

• Use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
• Swap in brown rice or cauliflower rice.
• Try reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium soup.
• Stir in steamed broccoli or peas for a veggie boost.

Still cheesy, still cozy—just with a little nutritional sparkle.

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Leftover Remix

Got extras? Lucky you. Here’s how to give them a second life:

• Stuffed bell peppers: Spoon into halved peppers, top with cheese, and bake.
• Casserole quesadillas: Fold into tortillas, grill until crispy.
• Beef & rice muffins: Press into a muffin tin, top with cheese, bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.

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Gift It Like a Pro

This casserole is a total hero for:

• New moms
• Sick friends
• Grieving neighbors
• Your teenager’s teacher who somehow still smiles

Wrap it in foil, include reheating instructions, and maybe toss in a simple salad or sweet treat. Kindness never tasted so good.

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FAQs

Can I use cream of chicken or celery soup instead?
Absolutely! They’ll each give a slightly different flavor but still play nice with the beef and rice.

Is it gluten-free?
Only if your soup is certified gluten-free. Always double-check those labels.

Can I double the recipe?
Yep—just use two baking dishes. Perfect for freezing one for later!

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Final Thought

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole isn’t trying to win any Michelin stars. But it will win over your family, fill your belly, and make your kitchen smell like love. It’s humble, hearty, and just the thing when life feels like a whirlwind. So go ahead—scoop yourself a generous serving and let dinner be easy for once.

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