cheesy beef and rice casserole recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
cheesy beef and rice casserole recipe
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The Best cheesy beef and rice casserole recipe

I’m so excited to share this classic cheesy beef and rice casserole recipe with you. It’s a staple in our household, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. I first discovered this recipe when I was a college student, working multiple jobs and looking for quick and satisfying meals that could feed a crowd.

This casserole was a game-changer, and I’ve been making it ever since. The combination of ground beef, rice, cheese, and spices is absolute perfection. My family loves it, and I’m sure yours will too.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and leftovers. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, this casserole is the way to go.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – by using lean ground beef and plenty of veggies, you can feel good about what you’re putting into your body. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious reheated the next day. In fact, I often make a double batch just so we can have plenty of leftovers for the week ahead.

It’s truly a recipe that never fails to impress.

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

4.7 from 1781 votes

A comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender beef, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beef and Rice

1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Begin by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3Drain any excess fat.
4Add the uncooked rice, water, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the cooked beef.
5Stir well to combine.
6Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
7While the beef and rice mixture is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce.
8Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
9Add the flour and whisk to form a roux.
10Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden color.
11Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
12Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
13This should take about 5 minutes.
14Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
15Remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside.
16Once the beef and rice mixture is cooked, transfer it to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
17Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
18Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
19Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Medium saucepan with lid
9×13-inch baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add vegetables like peas or carrots to the rice mixture for extra nutrition. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

This cheesy beef and rice casserole is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it freezes – just portion out individual servings before freezing and reheat as needed for future meals.

You can also easily customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients or leftovers to keep things interesting.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Q1: What type of cheese should I use in this recipe?

A1: You can use any type of cheese you like, but I find that a blend of cheddar and mozzarella works best for this recipe. The cheddar adds a nice sharpness, while the mozzarella melts beautifully and adds creaminess.

Q2: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

A2: Yes, you can definitely use frozen vegetables if that’s what you have on hand. Just thaw them first and proceed with the recipe as instructed.

Q3: How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy?

A3: To prevent sogginess, make sure to cook the rice until it’s just tender – overcooked rice can make the casserole too moist. Also, don’t overmix the ingredients before baking – this can cause them to break down and become mushy.

Q4: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A4: Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge overnight. Then simply bake it when you’re ready.

Q5: Do I need to adjust the cooking time if I’m using leftover rice?

A5: If you’re using leftover rice that’s already cooked through, you may not need to adjust the cooking time at all. However, if your leftover rice is still slightly undercooked or has an unusual texture, you may want to add a few minutes to the overall cooking time.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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