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Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole: Creamy, Cozy & Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

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This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is creamy, comforting, and easy to make. It’s loaded with seasoned beef, tender rice, and melty cheddar cheese—perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or chicken soup

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or corn

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.

  3. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft. Drain grease.

  4. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, beef mixture, soup, sour cream, 1 cup cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in optional veggies if using.

  5. Spread mixture into baking dish and top with remaining cheese.

  6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

  7. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

  8. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey for a leaner option.

  • Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.

  • Add jalapeños or chili flakes for heat.

  • Try different cheeses for flavor variety.