This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole brings together hearty ingredients in a single dish that’s rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that’s as cozy as it is easy.
The combination of creamy soup, seasoned beef, tender rice, and melty cheddar cheese creates an irresistible casserole that’s loved by both kids and adults alike.
Key Players in Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Ground beef – The star protein, providing richness and savory flavor with every bite.
- Instant rice – Soaks up all the delicious beefy, creamy flavor while keeping prep time short.
- Cream of celery soup – Adds creaminess and depth without the need for a separate sauce.
- Beef stock – Infuses the dish with bold, meaty flavor that complements the ground beef.
- Frozen mixed vegetables – A pop of color and texture for a well-rounded, nutritious casserole.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Melts over the top into a gooey, golden crown of cheesy goodness.
- Sweet onion and garlic – Build a flavorful base with natural sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper) – Elevate and balance the flavors to perfection.
How to Make It Happen
Start by browning the beef with diced sweet onion until fully cooked and fragrant, then stir in fresh garlic for a boost of flavor.
Once off the heat, mix in the creamy soup, beef stock, seasonings, rice, and frozen veggies until everything is well combined.
Spread the mixture in a prepared casserole dish and top with plenty of sharp cheddar cheese before baking until bubbly and golden.
A quick broil at the end adds a lovely toasty finish to the cheesy topping—completely optional but totally worth it.
Tips, Tweaks & Tasty Variations
For a deeper flavor, try swapping cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar. You can also use leftover cooked rice—just reduce the stock accordingly to prevent sogginess.
Feel free to mix in other frozen vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or even chopped spinach if you want to tailor it to your family’s preferences. A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can spice things up without overpowering the dish.
Don’t skip the seasoning—even with fresh garlic and onion, the extra garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs enhance the overall flavor beautifully.
Keep It Fresh: Storing and Reheating Tips
This casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days and freezes well for up to three months.
To freeze, portion into airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option. If making ahead, assemble fully and refrigerate, adding a bit of extra bake time when ready to cook.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 small sweet onion finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup instant rice
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 10.5 ounce cans cream of celery soup
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, and set it aside. In a large skillet or Dutch oven set over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat into crumbles, until the beef is browned and the onion has softened—about 10 minutes. Drain any surplus fat. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic, then remove from heat. Mix in the cream of celery soup, beef stock, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. Fold in the instant rice and frozen vegetables until evenly incorporated, then spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Scatter the shredded cheddar cheese across the top, cover tightly with nonstick foil, and bake for 45 minutes or until bubbling and the cheese has melted. Remove the foil and broil briefly to develop a golden, lightly crisped top. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
