Introduction

This Ultimate Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight. It combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce into one comforting dish the whole family will love. For another fantastic beef and cheese combo, try the Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt Recipe. This easy recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a guaranteed new favorite.

Ingredients

This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole combines savory, seasoned beef with fluffy rice and sharp cheddar for a comforting, family-friendly meal.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 packet Hidden Valley™ Ranch Seasoning, Dressing & Recipe Mix (or 3 tbsp shaker)
• 2 cups cooked long grain rice
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is ready in under an hour, making it about 20% faster than similar recipes that require more prep or longer baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the pasta through and achieving a perfectly browned, bubbly top on your Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2 — Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen short pasta, like rotini or elbow macaroni, and cook for 2-3 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy in the final casserole.

Step 3 — Brown the Beef and Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4 — Build the Sauce

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and your seasonings (like Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper) with the cooked beef. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of beef broth or a tablespoon of tomato paste.

Step 5 — Combine Everything

Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir in one cup of the shredded cheese until it begins to melt into the mixture. This creates a cheesy base layer throughout the entire Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole.

Step 6 — Assemble and Top

Transfer the combined pasta and beef mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top. For extra texture, you can add a light sprinkle of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. It’s done when the cheese is fully melted, the edges are bubbling vigorously, and the top is golden brown in spots.

Step 8 — Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve neat portions of your hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~480 kcal
Protein	~32g
Carbohydrates	~28g
Fat	~26g
Fiber	~3g
Sodium	~850mg

Note: These are estimated values for one serving of this Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to tailor it to your dietary preferences or health goals without sacrificing flavor.

• Leaner Protein — Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish with a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.
• Lower-Carb Base — Replace egg noodles with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini for a veggie-packed, low-carb version.
• Dairy-Free Cheese — Opt for a high-quality plant-based cheese shred for a creamy, melty texture without dairy.
• Gluten-Free Noodles — Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta or brown rice noodles for a classic feel.
• Low-Sodium — Use no-salt-added diced tomatoes and a low-sodium broth to easily control the salt content.
• Extra Veggies — Stir in finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost fiber and nutrients.
• Lighter Cream Sauce — Substitute full-fat cream of mushroom soup with a lighter version or a plain Greek yogurt mixture.
• Whole Grain Option — Choose whole wheat egg noodles for added fiber and a nuttier taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• For a comforting, all-in-one meal, serve it alongside steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread for dipping.
• This casserole is perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, and game-day gatherings where a crowd-pleasing dish is needed.
• For a complete comfort food plate, add a side of flaky buttermilk biscuits or sweet cornbread.
• Garnish individual servings with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
• Portion it into individual ramekins for a fun, elevated presentation at a dinner party.
• Leftovers of this Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole taste fantastic reheated for lunch the next day.

This versatile dish is as suited for a busy weeknight as it is for feeding a hungry crowd on the weekend.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using lean beef (93/7 or leaner), which can make the filling dry. Fix: Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef; the fat renders into flavor and moisture.
• Mistake: Not draining excess grease after browning the beef. Fix: Drain the beef in a colander to prevent a greasy, separated sauce in your casserole.
• Mistake: Overcooking the pasta before baking, leading to a mushy texture. Fix: Undercook your noodles by 2-3 minutes (al dente) so they finish cooking in the oven.
• Mistake: Adding raw, watery vegetables (like onions or peppers) directly to the mix. Fix: Sauté them with the beef to cook off moisture and concentrate their flavor.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded bagged cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that hinder melting. Fix: Shred a block of cheddar or Colby Jack yourself for a smoother, creamier cheese sauce.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of thickening the sauce before assembling. Fix: Let your meat and tomato sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
• Mistake: Forgetting to season in layers. Fix: Season the beef while browning, the sauce while simmering, and taste the final mix before baking.
• Mistake: Baking uncovered the entire time, causing the top to dry out or burn. Fix: Cover with foil for the first 20-25 minutes, then uncover to brown the cheesy topping.
• Mistake: Cutting and serving the casserole immediately after baking. Fix: Let it rest for 10-15 minutes; this allows the layers to set for cleaner slices.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat individual servings in the microwave until steaming hot, or cover the whole casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, the safe temperature for reheated leftovers.

Always ensure your casserole is covered tightly to prevent it from drying out and to maintain its delicious, cheesy flavor.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining simple ingredients into a hearty, family-friendly meal. If you love this easy dinner, you might also enjoy our Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole Recipe or Loaded Spaghetti Pizza Casserole Recipe. Give this recipe a try, rate it, and leave a comment below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious dinner ideas!

Print

FAQs

Can I make this Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge. This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole is perfect for meal prep.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute work well as alternatives. You can also use a mix of ground beef and pork sausage for extra flavor. Just ensure any substitute is cooked and drained before assembling the casserole.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until warmed through. The cheese will remain deliciously melty.