Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef, raw; 1 small Onion, diced; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 cup Beef broth, room temperature; 1 cup Milk, room temperature; 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon Butter; 1 cup Frozen corn kernels, thawed; 1 teaspoon Onion powder; 1 teaspoon Paprika; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper; 1 teaspoon Mustard powder; 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup Long-grain white rice, uncooked; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting weeknight winner that practically makes dinner itself. With juicy browned beef, tender rice cooked in a savory creamy sauce, and a bubbly, golden cheddar top, it’s the kind of dish that fills the house with irresistible aromas and gets everyone to the table fast. A fun fact: casseroles became popular in mid-20th-century America because they combined protein, starch, and vegetables in a single, affordable pan — and this recipe is a modern take on that smart convenience. If you loved our hearty one-pot meals before, you might also enjoy this spin on a familiar favorite; for another take on the same idea see this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole. Simple to assemble and family-approved, this casserole is ready to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

What is Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?

What’s in a name? Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole sounds exactly like what it is — and that’s part of the charm. Why call it anything else when the title promises tender rice, savory ground beef, and ooey-gooey cheese? Who named it? Probably a hungry home cook who wanted dinner on the table without fuss. Could it be the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? Maybe — but it’s probably the way to everyone’s heart through their stomach. Try it and you’ll see why this straightforward name stuck: it tells you everything you need to know and then delivers. Give it a go and see which family member claims the last cheesy bite.

Why You’ll Love This

This casserole hits all the right notes. First, the main highlight is the creamy, savory sauce that coats each grain of rice and every morsel of beef, creating comforting, satisfying bites with a melty cheese finish. Second, it’s budget-friendly — using pantry staples like rice, frozen corn, and ground beef makes this an economical way to feed a family without skimping on flavor. Third, the toppings and seasonings — paprika, Worcestershire, mustard powder, and two cups of sharp cheddar — lift the dish from simple to spectacular with layers of savory depth and a luscious golden crust. If you enjoy twists on classic casseroles, you might also like the richer texture found in our cheddar-crusted version. Ready to make dinner easy and delicious? Let’s get cooking.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy because most of the work is straightforward sautéing and simmering before a hands-off bake. You’ll brown the beef with aromatics, whisk together a quick creamy sauce, fold in rice and corn, and bake until the rice is tender and the casserole is bubbly. The standout elements are the rich, creamy sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and beef broth, and the melty cheese topping that turns slightly golden in the oven. Prep time is about 15 minutes and total time about 1 hour: 15 minutes active and 1 hour baking.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, raw
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth, room temperature
1 cup milk, room temperature
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon mustard powder
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the tablespoon of butter. Sprinkle in the three tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the cup of beef broth and the cup of milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
Add the teaspoon onion powder, teaspoon paprika, teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and teaspoon mustard powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
Mix in the thawed cup of corn and the uncooked cup of long-grain white rice, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the sauce and distributed throughout the beef mixture.
Transfer everything into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the mixture is bubbly around the edges.
Remove from the oven, carefully uncover, and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar evenly over the top.
Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly golden on top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

What to Serve With

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve roasted broccoli or green beans for a warm vegetable side. For a heartier meal, garlic bread or warm biscuits are always welcome to sop up extra saucy bites. If you’d like a lighter accompaniment, a simple cucumber and tomato salad or steamed asparagus works beautifully. To drink, iced tea or a light red wine complement the savory flavors.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use room-temperature milk and broth so the sauce combines smoothly and thickens evenly.
If you prefer extra texture, sauté the corn briefly with the beef for a bit of caramelization before mixing in the rice.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based beef substitute for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
Stir the casserole once halfway through baking (carefully) if your oven cooks unevenly, to ensure rice cooks uniformly.
Avoid overcooking the roux; keep stirring while cooking the flour for two minutes so the sauce won’t taste floury.
For inspiration on variations, check how other home cooks balance cheese and protein in dishes like the cheesy angel chicken and rice casserole.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Cool the casserole to room temperature, cover tightly with foil or an airtight lid, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the casserole (before adding the final cheese topping) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. After reheating, add fresh cheese and broil briefly for a bubbly finish.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heat. For a full pan, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered, for 20–25 minutes until warmed through; uncover the last 5–10 minutes to refresh the cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. If using brown rice, pre-cook it according to package instructions or increase baking time and add about 1/2 cup extra broth.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.

Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?
Use lean ground beef or ground turkey and low-fat milk, and reduce the cheese slightly. The casserole will still be flavorful but lighter.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Make sure to simmer the sauce until it thickens before adding the rice, and drain excess fat after browning the beef. Cover tightly while baking to cook the rice through without excess evaporation, then uncover for the final cheese finish.

Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Yes—diced bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms are great additions. If adding watery vegetables like zucchini, sauté them first to reduce moisture.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is proof that comfort food can be simple, affordable, and utterly delicious — perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family. The combination of creamy sauce, tender rice, savory beef, and melty cheddar creates a dish that’s easy to love and easy to make. If you want to compare versions or find more inspiration from other home cooks, check out this take on a similar recipe at Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole | Oh Sweet Basil. Give this recipe a try, share a plate with someone you love, and enjoy the warm comfort it brings.