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Picky eaters are going to love this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Mom called it busy day casserole because it’s a quick and easy dinner.
Table of Contents
- Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- What’s in This Ground Beef Casserole Recipe?
- How to Make Hamburger and Rice Casserole Without Canned Soup
- What Rice to Use in Casseroles?
- Can I Use Brown Rice?
- What Vegetables are Good in a Casserole?
- Do I Need to Cover a Casserole with Foil?
- Why Didn’t My Rice Cook?
- What Should I Serve with Hamburger and Rice Casserole?
- Best Recipes For Picky Eaters
- Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Storage Tips
- Super Easy Ground Beef Recipes:
- Watch How This is Made…
- Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Alright, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole recipe is definitely not my norm, but it is who I am and it happens to be a recipe that I get a crazy amount of emails about. I get loads of emails about our fabulous buttermilk pancakes too…have you tried those?! Total comfort food just like this casserole.
A long time ago (and seriously, check out the picture and you’ll laugh your heart out at how little I knew about food photography), I posted a recipe called Busy Day Casserole and it has been one of my top recipes for years now. It never disappears from the most viewed recipes. In fact, a lot of our hamburger recipe ideas are our top recipes. You can find them all here.
People love this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole, and while it’s totally simple I know why. This quick and easy dinner idea with ground beef and melted cheese is in fact the cure for all picky eaters. It’s very dependent on you for the seasoning so for picky eaters it’s perfect, but if you want more flavor season it well or add in more vegetables. If you wanted to try something similar, but with chicken, try this cheesy ranch chicken casserole!
read more: Looking for easy casserole recipes? Try our Pork Chop Casserole with Rice next!
What’s in This Ground Beef Casserole Recipe?
The ingredients you’ll need for this ground beef and rice recipe will vary depending on whether you want to make this casserole completely from scratch, semi-homemade, or if you’d rather throw together something really quickly (i.e. use a few shortcuts).
If you have the time and energy, I highly recommend making this casserole recipe with ground beef from scratch. Don’t let the longer ingredients list fool you, I bet you already have most of them on hand already!
To make this cheesy beef and rice casserole completely from scratch, you’ll need some butter, onion, garlic, flour, cream, chicken broth, veggies, cheese, white rice, ground beef, and water. Oh, and salt and pepper, of course!
If you’re looking for a simpler hamburger recipe idea, the quicker version of this casserole (which is noted in the recipe card below) uses canned condensed soup, veggies, ground beef, cheese, and rice. Pick whichever version of this beef and rice casserole you have time to make — I know you won’t always have time for the from-scratch version!
How to Make Hamburger and Rice Casserole Without Canned Soup
When you read through the from-scratch recipe for this ground beef casserole, you’ll notice that I use my own mixture for the liquid instead of cream of mushroom soup. You can do either, we just don’t cook with cream of anything soup at our house anymore, but it is what I grew up with, so I wanted you to have all of the versions.
- To make this ground beef casserole recipe, you’ll first need to prepare the homemade canned soup. Making a homemade canned soup is actually quite easy. You’ll need some butter, flour for thickening, milk or cream and seasoning to taste. You’re basically making a roux. If you’re making a from scratch canned soup with mushrooms, just add those in too!
- Start by whisking the melted butter and onion or mushrooms with the flour in a hot pot until it clumps up. Next, add in the liquid and whisk, while boiling until it becomes a thickened creamy sauce. Add in your seasonings and you’ve got condensed soup!
- We have purposely kept the seasonings in this pretty bland so that it’s kid friendly, so if you want more flavor, this is the time to add it. You could add garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper, thyme, basil, oregano, etc.
- To finish making this casserole recipe, simply combine the soup mixture with the rice, water, browned ground beef, and veggies in a greased baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in a preheated oven and bake for around 90 minutes, then top with cheese and return to the oven until the cheese has melted.
What Rice to Use in Casseroles?
Long grain, white rice is the best rice to use in casseroles as it doesn’t become sticky or mushy when baked. You cannot use quick rice (Minute Rice) in this ground beef casserole unless you adjust the liquid according to package directions and cook the carrots completely before mixing it all together.
Can I Use Brown Rice?
Yes, but I honestly have never tried it. Brown rice soaks up a lot more liquid and will need longer to cook. I’d add an additional 1/2 cup of water and probably another 1/2 hour of cooking time.
What Vegetables are Good in a Casserole?
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a great casserole to add any veggies you’d like, but we recommend broccoli, peas, corn or even green beans.
Do I Need to Cover a Casserole with Foil?
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole does not need to be covered with foil to bake. I know it seems like it will, especially as you see that rice start to cook, but it’s just fine as is. In fact I really like the top and sides to get a very slight crispness as it adds so much flavor and texture to this hamburger rice casserole. You can tent with foil if you can’t resist.
Why Didn’t My Rice Cook?
If your casserole finishes cooking and you find yourself asking why didn’t my rice cook in my beef rice casserole, well I’m guessing you used the wrong rice, or your oven didn’t hold a constant heat. There’s plenty of moisture and time, so there’s no reason this casserole wouldn’t bake up perfectly.
What Should I Serve with Hamburger and Rice Casserole?
The beauty of this easy ground beef recipe is that it’s a full meal all by itself. You get carbs from the rice, protein from the beef, and fiber and extra nutrients from the veggies.
But if you’re trying to bulk up this meal or have a little extra time on your hands, you may want to consider pairing your serving of beef and rice casserole with a simple salad or sauteed veggies. Really though, you don’t need a side for this recipe!
Best Recipes For Picky Eaters
The cheese is also a little different only because again, we don’t really buy medium cheddar cheese, we usually get Colby Jack and since they are so similar I don’t mind using it, either one will work though. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is something that even as a food blogger, I totally love to eat and the kids do too. It’s one of the best recipes for picky eaters. It’s something really simple on their little palates and it has cheese which is always a good thing.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe doubles perfectly to a 9×13 baking dish if you need to feed a larger crowd.
We also have recipes on the blog for making this casserole lower carb with cauliflower rice or in the Instant Pot if you need dinner in a hurry. We have also created a Mexican inspired version too!
Casseroles are pure comfort food and this recipe is no different. It is loved by everyone!
We provide instructions for making this recipe a variety of ways depending on how much time you have and how “from scratch” you want it to be.
Storage Tips
Leftovers of this recipe will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
This casserole stores wonderfully in the freezer and it will keep for up to 3 months. Let the casserole cool completely and place in a freezer safe container.
If the casserole is frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight (or at least all day) before reheating it in the oven. Place it in a baking dish and reheat at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly through the middle.
So, to my sweet momma who had to put up with my picky little self, thanks for this delicious Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole recipe that is feeding people everywhere. I say you’re famous for it now. You didn’t know you’d end up famous did you?
Super Easy Ground Beef Recipes:
- Mexican Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Shepherd’s Pie
- One-Skillet Enchilada Ground Beef Casserole
- 30 Minute Skillet Beef Pot Pie
- Cheesy Enchilada Chili
- Taco Pinwheels
- World’s Best Chili (Made in an Instant Pot!)
- Instant Pot Taco Soup
- Easy Sloppy Joes
- Teriyaki Piña Colada Burger
- Southern Pimento Cheeseburgers
You can find all of our beef recipes here.
Watch How This is Made…
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Quick Recipe
- 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice, uncooked
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 Cup Carrots, sliced
- 1/2-1 Pound Ground Beef, cooked
- Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese, sliced about 9 pieces
Semi Homemade
- 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice, uncooked
- 2 Cups Water
- 1/2 to 1 Pound Ground Beef, cooked, depending on preference
- 1 Cup Carrots, sliced
- Pacific Foods Mushroom Gravy, 13.9 ounces
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- Colby Jack or Medium Cheddar Cheese, for topping
From Scratch
- 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 Cup Onion, minced
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced
- 1/2 Cup White Button Mushroom, minced
- 3 Tablespoons Flour
- 1/2 Cup Cream
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 Cups Water
- 1/2-1 Pound Ground Beef, cooked
- 1 Cup Carrots, sliced
- Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese, sliced, about 9 slices
- 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice, uncooked
Instructions
Quick Recipe
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees and spray an 8×9" baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Stir together the soup, rice, water, carrots, and beef.1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup, 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice, 2 Cups Water, 1 Cup Carrots, 1/2-1 Pound Ground Beef
- Place in the baking dish and bake for 90 minutes.
- Top with cheese slices and bake a few more minutes or until melted.Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese
Semi Homemade
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8×9″ baking dish.
- Whisk together the water, mushroom gravy, and milk.2 Cups Water, Pacific Foods Mushroom Gravy, 1/2 Cup Milk
- Add the mushroom mix, rice, cooked beef and carrots to a bowl and stir to combine.1 Cup Long Grain White Rice, 1/2 to 1 Pound Ground Beef, 1 Cup Carrots
- Dump into an 8×9″ baking dish and bake, uncovered for 90 minutes.
- Add slices of cheese and return to the oven for another couple of minutes or until the cheese is melted.Colby Jack or Medium Cheddar Cheese
From Scratch
- In a medium pan over medium heat, add the butter and melt.3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- Whisk in the onion, garlic and mushrooms.1/4 Cup Onion, 1 Clove Garlic, 1/2 Cup White Button Mushroom
- Add the flour, whisking continually and cook for 30-60 seconds.3 Tablespoons Flour
- Add the cream and broth and cook until thick.1/2 Cup Cream, 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
- Season and remove from heat.1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Salt
- Heat the oven to 350 and spray an 8×9″ baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Place the cream mixture, rice, water, beef and carrots into the dish and stir to combine.2 Cups Water, 1/2-1 Pound Ground Beef, 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice, 1 Cup Carrots
- Bake for 90 minutes, add the cheese and bake for a few more minutes or until melted.Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Made it tonight. Huge it! I made the from scratch version. It was a little dry and some of the rice was not completely done. I’m thinking I need more water? I also made it in a 9 x12 pan. Do you cover it for the hour of cooking before adding cheese? I’m adding this to my monthly schedule. Thanks!
The 9×12 pan would be the culprit, that spread out and the water would evaporate too much. 🙂 We don’t cover it but you certainly can! xoxo!
My sister make a casserole similar to this a long time ago but with broccoli instead of carrots. I’ve been trying to figure out the ratios for a long time. Making this tonight. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Thanks Joanna, hope you like it!
so my comment vanished right before I clicked to post. I will add,
i own a rice cooker, so I precook the rice somewhat to add more flavor in the overall dish by using chicken or beef stock in the rice cooker.
canned soups are overloaded with salt, you will notice if you read labels, so the white sauce version is healthiest and you can add seasoning here to alter what taste influence is in your casserole. Homemade taco seasoning, ( again no salt in homemade), or a a red wine with Italian seasonings,. just experiment with your white sauce to make a variety of options for this nice and easy casserole. i have been married for 40 years, so am beyond sick of food shopping and cleaning up, I like the cooking part. this recipe makes short order of the shopping and cooking. The casserole can even be microwaved if taken as leftovers in a lunch.
Yes, that’s exactly how we feel. And honestly, without the cheese on top, it freezes well too!
Hi! I just stumbled upon this recipe and it looks great, and easy too. I hate to cook so this is right up my alley. However, my husband hates anything with mushroom (ugh) so I normally substitute that with cream of chicken. Will that taste okay? Could use cream of celery I suppose, but have never been a big fan of it. Thanks!
Tammie, My mom used cream of chicken all the time growing up. In fact, sometimes she even used chicken instead of the ground beef too!
Hey Tammie. My girlfriend is the same way about mushrooms, but i decided to cook this for her and she loved it. I had to tell her about the mushrooms afterwards so she would even try it. Now this recipe has its own spot in the foods i cook.
Haha, so technically you tricked her. In a loving way of course. 😉 Love it! Thanks for commenting Kris
My daughter checks carefully for mushrooms. She’s 17 and you can’t pull anything over on her… I used celery. And although I am not opposed to cooking with cream of anything, I had none on hand and was so proud of my from-scratch cream of celery soup!
After reading comments, I saluted onion and garlic w/ ground beef and added 1t. Greek seasoning + salt/pepper. I also used brown rice. Will make again. Thanks!
After reading comments, I saluted onion and garlic w/ ground beef and added 1t. Greek seasoning + salt/pepper. I also used brown rice. Will make again. Thanks!
Hi Cindy,
I love that your autocorrect changed sauted to saluted. haha, gave me a good laugh today.Greek seasoning sounds awesome! I’ll have to try that with ground turkey!
I was really really excited to make this recipe…. I love to cook and am in no way a picky eater but I have to say this dish was SO bland, it took alot of salt and pepper for me to eat this. It needs alot of seasons and some other additives….tomatoes, peppers onions, garlic, something!!!!! I’m so disappointed 🙁
Hi Kaity,
I’m sorry to hear that. Did you season the “sauce” really well? It definitely isn’t a crazy flavor burst in your mouth, more old fashioned casserole for kids (and many adults actually) as it is a little easier on the palate. What we like to do is add poultry seasoning if using chicken or even fajita seasoning for beef. It really amps up the flavor. We also love to add different veggies rather than only carrots. 🙂 Phew, that was long, haha. Hope it helps and thanks for trying it.
Ran across this recipe and was thankful. I have Gastroparesis (paralyzed stomach) and was trying to find something that I could eat. Ground turkey, rice, a little cheese, soup and well cooked carrots should be okay to try. I am also diabetic which makes it tough. I am going to add chopped spinach to get more veggies in their. I hope my stomach can empty this okay. Have you ever tried to freeze leftovers.
Found the answer about freezing etc Thanks
Jane,
What incredible strength you must have to deal with health issues. I’ve had a few struggles myself and I know how hard it can be. I hope this worked for you. Have a great day.
This looks like a keeper recipe and I can’t wait to make it.