Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole — A Cozy Classic for Busy Weeknights

There’s nothing quite like a warm, bubbling casserole straight from the oven — especially one that’s packed with savory ground beef, fluffy rice, melty cheese, and a creamy sauce that ties it all together. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you need a hearty, satisfying meal, this casserole comes together with pantry staples and just a few steps. Add a side salad or some crusty bread, and dinner is served.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	1 lb
Onion, chopped	1 medium
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Paprika	1 teaspoon
Cream of mushroom soup	1 can (10.5 oz)
Sour cream	1 cup
Milk	½ cup
Cooked white rice	1½ cups
Shredded cheddar cheese	2 cups (divided)
Frozen peas (optional)	½ cup
Fresh parsley (optional)	1 tablespoon, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant — about 5 to 6 minutes.

Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well to combine. Once the beef is fully cooked and the flavors have mingled, drain off any excess grease.

Tip: Use lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) for less grease and a cleaner finish.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 cup of sour cream
½ cup of milk
The cooked ground beef mixture
1½ cups of cooked white rice
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

If you’re including the optional ½ cup of frozen peas, stir them in now. They’ll cook perfectly during baking and add a pop of color and sweetness.

Stir everything together until it’s evenly combined and coated in the creamy sauce.

Shortcut: You can use leftover rice or even pre-cooked rice packets to save time.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly over the top for a golden, melty crust.

Optional Add-On: Sprinkle a handful of crushed butter crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs on top for extra texture.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.

Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking so it can set up — this makes serving easier and keeps it from falling apart on the plate.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.

Scoop and serve warm. This casserole pairs beautifully with:

A crisp green salad
Steamed green beans
Garlic bread
Or simply on its own!