Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole – Hearty American Classic

There’s something deeply satisfying about digging into a bubbling hot casserole loaded with savory ground beef, tender rice, and layers of gooey melted cheese. This cheesy beef and rice casserole is pure comfort food — the kind of one-dish meal that brings the whole family to the table.

This recipe works because it combines seasoned beef with rice in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, then tops it with plenty of cheese that browns beautifully in the oven. It’s filling, budget-friendly, and incredibly easy to throw together.

What makes it stand out is the perfect balance of savory beef, fluffy rice, and that irresistible cheesy crust on top. It’s a true American classic that’s great for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 35 mins

Total Time 50 mins

Cooking Method: Oven, Simmering

Cuisine: American

Courses: Dinner, Main Course

Difficulty: Beginner

Calories: 420

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary: Nut Free, Soy Free

Description

Easy cheesy beef and rice casserole — a comforting one-dish American classic loaded with flavor and perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
1 can diced tomatoes, drained (14.5 oz)
2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
3 cups beef broth
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra melt)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2
In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4
Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.
5
Remove foil, top with 2½ cups cheddar cheese (and mozzarella if using). Bake uncovered 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Note

Equipment:

Large skillet
9x13 baking dish
Aluminum foil

Nutrition (per serving, approximate): 420 calories | 28g protein | 32g carbs | 20g fat

Variations & Substitutions:

Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra veggies.
Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Make it spicier with diced jalapeños or chili powder.

Storage & Reheating: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through.

More Notes:

Rinse rice before using for best texture.
Don’t skip the foil cover initially — it helps the rice cook evenly.

Keywords: cheesy beef and rice casserole, beef rice casserole, cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, hearty dinner casserole