This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a golden cheddar cheese crust in every satisfying bite. Drawing inspiration from classic American casseroles, this one-dish wonder transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of seasoned beef, tender rice, and that irresistible cheesy topping creates a dish that’s both nostalgic and crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in the casserole dish, meaning fewer dishes to wash afterward!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, comforting flavors.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables, proteins, or cheese options.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or preparing in advance for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Conscious: Uses simple, affordable ingredients while delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a flavorful base without excessive fat, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Olive Oil: Optional for cooking the beef if needed, but can be omitted if using a non-stick pan or higher-fat beef.
• Onion: Yellow or white onion adds aromatic sweetness; dice it small for quicker cooking and better texture throughout the casserole.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds color, sweetness, and nutrition; feel free to use green, yellow, or orange bell peppers based on preference.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor, but jarred garlic works in a pinch if you’re short on time.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth; substitute with regular paprika if that’s what you have on hand.
• Dried Oregano: Provides an earthy, herbaceous note; Italian seasoning blend works well as an alternative.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice is traditional, but brown rice works for a healthier option (though it may require additional cooking time).
• Beef Broth: Creates rich flavor as the rice cooks; chicken broth works as a milder alternative.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and moisture; fire-roasted varieties can add extra flavor dimension.
• Frozen Vegetables: Corn or peas add color and nutrition; choose your family’s favorites or a mixed vegetable blend.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor for the crust, but a mixture of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby also works beautifully.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy textural contrast; regular breadcrumbs can substitute but won’t be quite as crunchy.
• Butter: Helps the topping become golden and crispy; olive oil can substitute for a different flavor profile.

Variations

Tex-Mex Casserole

Transform this dish with southwestern flavors by adding a tablespoon of taco seasoning to the beef mixture. Substitute green chilies for bell peppers, black beans for some of the beef, and top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Serve with avocado slices, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

Italian-Style Casserole

Give this casserole an Italian twist by adding Italian seasoning blend and using ground Italian sausage instead of beef. Mix in some diced zucchini with the vegetables and top with a mixture of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with fresh basil just before serving.

Mushroom and Wild Rice Upgrade

Create an earthy variation by using a wild rice blend instead of white rice (adjust cooking time accordingly). Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions and substitute beef with ground turkey. Top with Swiss cheese for a nutty flavor that complements the mushrooms beautifully.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. This preparation ensures your casserole will cook evenly and release easily when serving. The large dish size allows for proper heat distribution and creates the ideal ratio of filling to crispy topping.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Break it into crumbles as it browns, ensuring even cooking. Once browned, add your diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become aromatic. The vegetables should be tender but not mushy. Season with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Add the uncooked rice to the beef mixture, stirring to coat each grain with the flavorful fats. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice, along with your chosen frozen vegetables. Bring everything to a gentle boil before transferring to your prepared casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil to create a steamy environment that will cook the rice perfectly. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Add the Cheddar Crust

While the casserole is baking, prepare your crust by combining the shredded cheddar, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter in a bowl. This mixture will create that irresistible golden topping. Once the rice is tender, remove the foil and sprinkle this mixture evenly across the top of the casserole, creating a delicious blanket of cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Final Bake and Rest

Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully as the cheese melts and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Once perfectly browned, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set up slightly, making it easier to serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Toast the rice: For deeper flavor, toast the uncooked rice in the pan with the beef mixture for 1-2 minutes before adding liquids.
• Watch your liquid ratio: Different rice varieties may require slightly different amounts of liquid. Brown rice will need about 1/2 cup more broth and longer cooking time.
• Check for doneness: If the rice isn’t fully tender after the initial baking time, add 1/4 cup more broth, recover with foil, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the casserole to rest helps the rice finish absorbing any remaining liquid and makes serving neater.
• Layer the cheese: For an extra cheesy experience, mix half the cheddar into the beef and rice mixture before baking, then use the rest for the topping.
• Broil for extra crispiness: If you want an extra-golden topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking (watch carefully to prevent burning).

How to Serve

This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. For a full comfort food experience, offer warm garlic bread or dinner rolls on the side for sopping up any savory juices. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a cool, tangy contrast, while sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley sprinkled over each serving adds a pop of color and freshness. For family-style serving, place the casserole in the center of the table with a large spoon and let everyone help themselves to the bubbling, cheesy goodness.

Make Ahead

This casserole is perfect for planning ahead. You can prepare the entire beef and rice mixture up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish. Alternatively, you can fully bake the casserole without the cheese topping, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature, add the cheese topping, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly. The baked casserole can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice, but you’ll need to adjust the recipe. Reduce the beef broth to just 1/2 cup since the rice won’t need to absorb as much liquid. The baking time will also decrease to about 20 minutes for the initial covered bake.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. You can test by taking a small taste of the rice – it should be tender with no hard center. The mixture should be moist but not soupy.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternative or 2 cups of cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and ensure your cheese is vegetarian (some cheeses contain animal rennet).

My casserole turned out dry/soupy. What went wrong?

For a dry casserole, your oven may run hot or the foil may not have created a tight enough seal to trap steam. Add a bit more broth next time. For a soupy result, you may need to extend the cooking time or your rice may have been old (older rice takes longer to absorb liquid). You can also leave it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

Conclusion

This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole brings together simple ingredients to create a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The crispy cheese topping, savory beef, and tender rice combine for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, looking for leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, or need a dish to bring to a potluck, this versatile casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight and discover your new favorite comfort food classic!

Print