Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 10 oz can Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies – Do not drain; 1 ½ cups beef broth or stock; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup long grain rice; 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish if desired

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 15 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe because it’s one of those comfort food dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It combines juicy, seasoned ground beef with tender rice and melty cheddar cheese, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that I never get tired of. Every time I make this casserole, it fills my kitchen with an incredible aroma, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser whether I’m serving a casual family dinner or hosting friends. The best part is how simple it is to prepare, yet it tastes like you’ve spent hours perfecting it.

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

What makes this recipe stand out for me is the mouthwatering flavor profile. The savory ground beef perfectly balances the mild sweetness of the sautéed onions and red bell peppers, while the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies add just the right touch of zest and mild heat. The Worcestershire sauce deepens the umami layers, and of course, the gooey cheddar cheese on top melts into all those layers, making every bite irresistibly cheesy. It’s comfort food with a bit of a kick that never fails to hit the spot.

Another reason I’m so fond of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is how quick and straightforward it is to make. I can throw it together in under 10 minutes and have it simmer on the stove while I clean up or prep a side salad. It’s fantastic for busy weeknights when I want something hearty without fussing over complicated cooking techniques. Plus, it’s versatile enough for a cozy family dinner, potlucks, or even for meal prepping because it reheats beautifully. This casserole is truly a trusty go-to recipe that never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven bowls and a measuring cup arranged in a circle on a white marbled surface, each containing a different ingredient. At the center is a medium-sized stainless steel bowl filled with raw ground meat that is pink and textured. Directly above it is a white bowl with chopped red and white onions, neatly divided by color with red pieces on top and white below. To the right of this is a white bowl with a red rim, containing diced red tomatoes with some juice. Below this bowl is a small white cup filled with shredded orange cheese. Further down, there is a small white plate holding piles of black pepper, pink salt, and a pale yellow paste, arranged in a small cluster. To the left of this is a clear glass measuring cup with brown liquid inside. Above this cup is a small white bowl filled with uncooked white rice. All items create a clean and organized visual of fresh ingredients, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients in this recipe are simple, wholesome, and each one plays a crucial role in delivering that delicious end result. From the savory beef to the fresh vegetables and rich cheese, every component adds flavor, texture, and color to the casserole.

1 lb lean ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base of the casserole with a rich, meaty flavor.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked with the beef.
1 medium red bell pepper, diced: Brings a pop of color and a gentle crunch to brighten the dish.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant punch that enhances the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning to bring out the natural flavors.
1 teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice to balance the richness.
10 oz can Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (undrained): Introduces a zesty, slightly spicy twist that livens up the casserole.
1 ½ cups beef broth or stock: Keeps the rice moist and infuses the dish with savory depth.
1 cup long grain rice: Provides the tender, fluffy texture that rounds out the casserole.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami flavor, adding complexity to the beef.
1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese: Melts on top for that irresistible gooey, cheesy finish.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herbal freshness.

Directions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure to break the beef into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy, then return the skillet to the stove on medium heat.

Step 2: Stir in the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers soften. This step builds flavor by allowing the veggies to mellow and integrate beautifully with the beef.

Step 3: Add the beef broth, long grain rice, undrained can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid completely.

Step 5: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit and rest for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into that perfect gooey layer.

Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like for a fresh pop of color and flavor, then serve hot. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!

Servings and Timing

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe makes about 6 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or for leftovers that you can enjoy later. Prep time is incredibly quick at 10 minutes, and the cooking time is about 30 minutes, giving a total time of 40 minutes from start to finish. There’s also a short 5-minute resting period to melt the cheese perfectly, making it overall a fantastic 1-hour meal from start to table.

How to Serve This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of cooked rice mixed with ground meat, small pieces of red bell pepper, and melted cheese, all speckled with chopped fresh green parsley on top. The rice mixture shows a blend of light brown rice grains, bits of translucent cooked onion, and chunks of bright red pepper, creating a colorful and textured look. A silver fork rests on the edge of the plate. Behind the plate, a black pot filled with more of the same dish sits on a white marbled surface, alongside a black and white checkered cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this casserole, I love pairing it with a fresh green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus also complement the flavors wonderfully and add extra nutrients and crunch to the meal. For a heartier spread, garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are my go-to sides—they’re perfect for scooping up any cheesy sauce left on the plate.

Garnishing the casserole with fresh chopped parsley not only lifts the presentation with a vibrant splash of green but also adds a subtle herbal note that feels so refreshing. I sometimes sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar right before serving for that extra cheesy appeal. For drinks, I usually reach for something light and crisp—a cold beer or a chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully. If I’m serving on a weeknight, a sparkling water with lemon or a homemade iced tea works perfectly to keep things refreshing.

This casserole is best served hot or warm straight from the stove, but I’ve found that it still tastes great at room temperature if you’re serving buffet-style or packing it for a picnic. Portion sizes depend on appetite, but I usually dish out about 1 to 1 ½ cups per person to make sure everyone leaves satisfied without feeling overly full.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is. If you want to switch things up, try substituting the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still retains plenty of flavor. For a vegetarian twist, you can replace the meat with cooked lentils or a mix of hearty mushrooms—just add extra seasoning to keep the dish savory and exciting.

If you’re aiming for a gluten-free meal, this recipe is naturally suited as long as your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, so just be sure to check the labels. For a vegan adaptation, swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegan cheese along with vegetable broth. I’ve found that adding nutritional yeast also gives a nice cheesy flavor in that version.

To change the flavor profile, experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little heat. You can also toss in different veggies such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms to make it your own. Cooking methods vary, too—I sometimes prepare it in the slow cooker for a hands-off approach or use an Instant Pot where it comes together in a snap and stays wonderfully moist and tender.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this casserole store really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. I prefer using glass containers with secure lids because they keep the casserole fresh, and they’re microwave-safe for reheating. Be sure to cool the casserole to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating to prevent condensation from making the dish soggy.

Freezing

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully, too. I like to portion it out into individual freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for quick meals later on. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When freezing, make sure to cool it completely and remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Note that the cheese might change texture slightly after thawing, but the flavors still hold up beautifully.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftovers is gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine, but I recommend covering the dish and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Avoid overheating the cheese, as it can become tough or greasy. To refresh the cheese topping, sprinkle a little extra cheddar before reheating to revive that melty, gooey magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for the casserole?

Absolutely! While long grain rice works best for its fluffy texture, you can use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber—just be aware it will require a longer cooking time and possibly a bit more liquid. Instant rice isn’t recommended as it may turn mushy during the simmering process.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the step before adding cheese, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle on the cheese and allow it to melt either in the oven or microwave. This makes it a convenient option for busy evenings or entertaining guests.

Can I add extra vegetables to make it healthier?

Definitely, adding vegetables like corn, peas, diced carrots, or spinach can boost the nutrition and flavor without altering the cooking method too much. Just add them in when you stir in the broth and rice so they cook evenly with the rice.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce—is there a substitute?

If you’re out of Worcestershire, you can use soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar combined with a bit of molasses or brown sugar to replicate the sweet and savory depth it provides. Each substitute changes the flavor slightly but still keeps the dish delicious.

Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Yes, both work wonderfully for this casserole. In the Instant Pot, brown the beef and onions using the sauté function, add all ingredients, then cook on high pressure for 5 minutes with a natural release. For the slow cooker, cook on low for about 2 hours or high for 1 hour after browning the beef. Both methods yield tender, flavorful results with minimal hands-on time.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe a try because it’s become such a favorite in my kitchen and in the homes of everyone I’ve shared it with. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so approachable, making it perfect for cooks of all levels. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a crowd-pleaser, this dish hits all the right notes and is sure to become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!