Dinner

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe

Name: Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked rice; 1 lb ground beef; 2 onions, diced; 1 cup chicken broth; 8 oz tomato sauce; 1 cup frozen green peas; 2 tsp garlic powder; Salt, pepper, and oregano to taste; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

ByRita Bennet December 15, 2025December 15, 2025

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Introduction

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with savory ground beef, tender rice, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together easily.

A close-up of a metal pan filled with several square pieces of baked casserole, each piece showing a golden-brown, bubbly cheese layer on top with scattered small green parsley leaves. The cheese is melted and browned unevenly with some darker spots, creating a textured surface. Under the cheese layer, a light tan, slightly chunky filling is visible, suggesting a mix of ingredients like meat or vegetables in a creamy sauce. A metal spatula rests on the edge of the pan, partially lifting one piece. The pan is placed on a wooden board, against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup cooked rice
1 lb ground beef

1 cup chicken broth
2 onions, diced

1 cup sour cream
2 tsp garlic powder

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz tomato sauce
1 cup frozen green peas

Salt, pepper, and oregano to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Place the diced onions and ground beef into a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté until the meat is browned and the onions have softened.
Step 2: Mix in the garlic powder and sauté for another 30 seconds. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium and season the mixture with oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato sauce, cooked rice, frozen peas, chicken broth, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Simmer the mixture until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined.
Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into a well-greased casserole dish. Bake in a preheated 250-degree oven for 15 minutes.

Step 6: In a bowl, blend together the sour cream and remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 7: Spread the sour cream and cheese mixture over the casserole evenly. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions and beef.

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
If you like a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the tomato sauce mixture.
Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual servings until heated through.

How to Serve

A square piece of baked dish is lifted by a black spatula showing three visible layers: the bottom layer is a chunky, brown meat mix, the middle layer is a creamy, light beige sauce, and the top layer is golden brown melted cheese with darker toasted spots and small green herb pieces scattered on top. The dish sits in a metal baking tray on a wooden board, with more pieces visible in the tray, all topped with melted cheese and herbs. The background has a white marbled texture with a soft focus on a green cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can use either white or brown cooked rice depending on your preference. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the casserole.

Is it possible to freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.