Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Cheese 🧀🍚🥩
This Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish, combining savory ground beef, tomato-seasoned rice, and a generous layer of melty cheese. It’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd on busy nights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Comforting & Filling – Packed with protein, rice, and gooey cheese.
✔ One-Pan Wonder – All the flavor, minimal cleanup.
✔ Customizable – Use your favorite cheeses, seasonings, or even add veggies!
✔ Great for Leftovers – Tastes just as delicious the next day.
✔ Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and bake when ready.
Recipe Categories
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Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
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Course: Dinner / Main
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Cooking Method: Baking + Stovetop
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Difficulty Level: Easy
Kitchen Equipment Needed
✅ Large skillet
✅ Wooden spoon or spatula
✅ 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole pan
✅ Measuring cups & spoons
✅ Oven
Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
✅ 500g ground beef
✅ 2 cups cooked white rice
✅ 1 onion, chopped
✅ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 1 can (14 oz / 400g) diced or crushed tomatoes
✅ 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (or a mix)
✅ 1 tbsp olive oil
✅ 1 tsp paprika
✅ 1 tsp dried oregano
✅ Salt & pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Stir in ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Spices
Stir in canned tomatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Combine with Rice
Turn off heat. Stir in cooked rice and mix until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Top with the shredded cheese, spreading evenly across the surface.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Let cool for 5 minutes. Slice and serve with a salad, steamed veggies, or crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Casserole
✔ Use a Cheese Blend – Mozzarella gives the gooey texture, cheddar adds bold flavor.
✔ Healthier Swap – Try brown rice or cauliflower rice.
✔ Add Veggies – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work great!
✔ Spice Level – A dash of hot sauce or chili flakes brings a kick.
✔ Make It Ahead – Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing & Storage Tips
📌 Store Leftovers – In the fridge up to 3 days in an airtight container.
📌 Reheat – In the microwave or oven at 350°F until hot.
📌 Freeze – Freeze assembled (unbaked) casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I use uncooked rice instead of cooked?
No, this recipe calls for pre-cooked rice to ensure even cooking.
2. Can I substitute ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage work great.
3. What cheese works best?
Mozzarella for melt, cheddar for flavor, or a mix of both. Add Parmesan for a sharp kick!
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger pan or two casseroles and increase baking time slightly.
Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Cheese
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole pan
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 400g diced/crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or both
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C); grease a baking dish.
- Cook onion in oil until soft. Add garlic, then beef, and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer 5–10 mins.
- Remove from heat and mix in cooked rice.
- Transfer mixture to the baking dish and top with cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 mins until bubbly and golden.
- Cool for 5 mins before serving.
Notes
✔ Add veggies or spice for variation.
✔ Freezes well before baking.
Whether you're feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this cheesy beef and rice casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite. Let me know if you'd like a printable version or a shareable social post!