Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 2 – Add Seasoning and Rice

1. Stir in paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the uncooked rice and mix well, letting the rice toast slightly for 1–2 minutes to enhance its flavor.

Step 3 – Combine with Liquids and Veggies

1. Pour in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and diced tomatoes. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
2. Fold in the frozen vegetables if using.
3. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.

Step 4 – Transfer to a Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Pour the beef-rice mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
3. Cover with foil to keep the rice from drying out during baking.

Step 5 – Bake Until Tender

1. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
2. Remove the foil, sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, and return to the oven uncovered for 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6 – Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.
2. Serve hot, straight from the baking dish, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy layers of flavor.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use pre-cooked rice if you want to cut baking time in half—just reduce broth to 1 cup and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes.
• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for a different cheesy flavor.
• Add a little hot sauce or chili flakes if you like a spicy kick.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Why This Casserole Works

This dish is the perfect marriage of convenience and flavor. The rice soaks up all the savory juices from the beef and tomatoes, while the creamy soup binds everything together. Then, a generous topping of cheese creates a gooey, golden crust that makes every bite irresistible. It’s a dinner that checks all the boxes: easy, filling, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

If you’d like, I can also write you a Pinterest-friendly recipe card for this dish so it’s ready for printing or sharing online. It would have a short intro, prep/cook time, servings, and a clean ingredient/method list. Would you like me to prepare that?