Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Cheese

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

• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

• Course: Dinner / Main

• Cooking Method: Baking + Stovetop

• 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

A cozy and satisfying dish made with seasoned ground beef, tomato rice, and melted cheese — perfect for any night of the week!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole pan
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C); grease a baking dish.
2. Cook onion in oil until soft. Add garlic, then beef, and cook until browned.
3. Stir in tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer 5–10 mins.
4. Remove from heat and mix in cooked rice.
5. Transfer mixture to the baking dish and top with cheese.
6. Bake for 20–25 mins until bubbly and golden.
7. Cool for 5 mins before serving.

Notes

✔ Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier version.
✔ 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!