Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole makes 4 easy yum wow.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is my answer to busy weeknights—a cozy, no-fuss dish that brings families together around a bubbling, cheesy pan. As a chef who runs Meal Prep Ideas, I design meals that honor flavor, simplicity, and real-life schedules. I know the dance of school runs, client meetings, and late-night emails, so I crafted this 1-dish casserole to minimize prep and maximize comfort. Tender rice soaks up a savory mixture of halal ground beef, garlic, onion, bell pepper, and a warm paprika kiss, then blankets everything with cheddar and a hint of mozzarella. It reheats beautifully, travels well for potlucks, and leaves plenty of leftovers for busy mornings, and brings warmth to every table at home.

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What makes Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole special?

Weeknights can feel like a relay race, and I’m always searching for a dish that both comforts and conquers the clock. Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is my answer—the kind of warm, bubbling pan that invites everyone to the table without a circus of pots. I reach for halal ground beef, pantry staples, and a kiss of paprika, then let the creamy mushroom soup do the heavy lifting. The result is a cozy, one-dish dinner that travels well, reheats beautifully, and leaves room for seconds and leftovers. Exact quantities are listed at the bottom for printing.

A weeknight winner with family-friendly flavors

This weeknight winner leans on comfort and speed. I keep the onions and garlic gentle, sprinkle paprika for warmth, and fold in the creamy mushroom soup and melty cheddar. It tastes familiar—like Sunday dinners—yet comes together fast enough for a busy evening.

One-dish convenience that saves time

Everything comes together in one baking dish, so you scrub fewer pots and spend more minutes around the table. The rice soaks up the broth and creamy soup, while cheese blankets the top and seals in the cozy flavors.

Halal-friendly, budget-conscious, and family-approved

This casserole respects diverse kitchens. You can use halal beef, stick to pantry staples, and choose different cheeses if you like. It’s budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and forgiving enough for picky eaters who want something cheesy and comforting. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is easy to love.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Ingredients

Ingredient snapshot

• 1 lb ground beef (halal)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• Salt to taste
• Optional topping: extra cheese or sliced green onions

Exact quantities are listed at the bottom of this article for printing.

Tip: If halal beef isn’t available, use standard lean beef.

Source tips: choose long-grain rice for best texture.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

I love meals that come together fast and feel cozy.

This one-dish bake delivers both comfort and speed.

Join me as I share simple steps from my home kitchen.

You’ll end with a creamy, cheese-kissed casserole that reheats beautifully.

Step 1: Prep and preheat

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×9 baking dish for easy cleanup.

Have the ingredients measured and ready for swift assembly.

Gather measuring cups, spoons, and a sturdy spatula for smooth mixing.

Step 2: Brown the beef with aromatics

In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and bell pepper.

Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Cook until the beef is browned and vegetables are tender.

Drain excess fat so the bake stays light and fresh.

Step 3: Combine the base

Stir in rice and beef broth to form the base.

Pour in cream of mushroom soup for creaminess.

Add paprika, garlic powder, pepper, parsley, and salt; mix well.

Make sure the rice is evenly coated and the mixture looks cohesive.

Step 4: Cheese in and into the dish

Fold in cheddar until the cheese melts through the base.

Stir in mozzarella if using for extra stretch.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish and cover with foil.

Optional: sprinkle a little extra cheese under the foil for a gooey crust.

Step 5: Bake, uncover, rest

Bake 50–55 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Uncover, add a final layer of cheese if you like, then bake 5 more minutes.

Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Success

• I brown the meat thoroughly to deepen flavor; don’t rush the onion and pepper sauté.
• I bloom spices briefly in the pan for a warmer aroma before adding liquids.
• If using brown rice, I pre-cook or extend bake time and adjust water slightly.
• For make-ahead meals, I assemble, refrigerate overnight, then bake longer until bubbling.
• Let the dish rest before serving to set the cheesy layers and flavors.
• I like to finish with a touch of fresh herbs for color.

Equipment Needed

• 9×9 baking dish (or any medium casserole); a square pan helps even cooking.
• Large skillet. A heavy pan browns meat evenly.
• Mixing spoon and spatula. One for stirring, one for scraping.
• Aluminum foil. Helps seal and makes uncovering easy; great for rest periods.
• Oven mitts. Protect hands lifting the hot dish.

Variations

• Use ground turkey or a plant-based substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version of Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole; substitute mushroom soup with a dairy-free option.
• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different melt and bite; I love the subtle heat from pepper jack.
• Add corn, peas, or cooked carrots for extra texture and color; these additions brighten the dish and please picky eaters.
• Use parboiled or brown rice with adjusted liquid and bake time; I pre-cook brown rice slightly to keep the grains tender.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

I reach for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole when time is tight. It gives me a creamy, cozy supper with minimal cleanup. One dish, warm cheese, and familiar flavors mean seconds and leftovers.

My kids and clients love how it adapts to halal needs and picky eaters. Leftovers reheat silky and still feel comforting, not chalky or dry. That keeps weeknights calm, budgets sane, and dinner hopeful for everyone.

Serving Suggestions

I love pairing Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with crisp greens tonight.

• Serve with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for color and balance.
• A light cranberry or citrus drink pairs nicely with the richness.
• Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish and color contrast.

Enjoy!

Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

I love meals that respect my schedule and still feel like a warm hug. This Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole keeps the cozy factor while cutting weeknight stress. I prep the casserole up to the baking stage, then tuck it away until the clock says go.

For make-ahead, assemble through Step 4, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake at 350°F for 60–70 minutes; if starting from the fridge, add 10–15 minutes so the rice finishes tender and the cheese melts.

For freezing, finish Step 4, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. If you must bake from frozen, plan for extra time and keep the foil on until the center cooks.

• Label with date and “thaw 12 hours” so you know when to pull it out.
• Freeze in a 9×9 dish or a sturdy freezer container for easy portioning.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole; pre-cook brown rice first. Extend bake time by 15–20 minutes, and add a little extra broth if needed.

How should I store leftovers?

Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot. Add a splash of broth to revive creaminess.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes. Freeze baked portions tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and rewarm gently in the oven or microwave.

Is this halal-friendly and family-friendly?

Yes. For Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, use halal beef. Also verify that the soup and cheese options are halal. The recipe is designed to be kid- and family-friendly with familiar flavors.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole feels like a warm reminder that comfort can be simple. I love the way it fills the kitchen with a creamy, inviting aroma and a bubbling, cheese-kissed crown. It fits my busy days, travels to potlucks, and stretches into tasty leftovers for quick lunches. Halal options, pantry-friendly ingredients, and adaptable toppings make it easy to share with family and friends. This one-dish dinner proves you don’t need fancy steps to nourish the people you love. It’s honest, cozy, and reliably delicious, turning hectic weeknights into small, joyful rituals. I’m grateful for home and flavor.

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