Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole 🧀🥘

By: Rabia

A hearty, layered bake with creamy rice, seasoned beef, and plenty of melted cheese. Comfort food at its finest — perfect for family dinners!

🥘 Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour

  • Yield: 6–8 servings

Dietary Badges:

  • Family-Friendly

  • Comfort Food

  • Freezer-Friendly

✅ Ingredients (Quick View)

For the Rice Base:

  • 3 cups cooked white rice

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • ½ cup milk

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar

  • Salt to taste

For the Beef Layer:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

  • 1 medium onion (chopped)

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano/basil)

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

  • 1 tbsp oil (for sautéing)

For the Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella (or a cheese blend)

📖 Instructions (Quick View)

  1. Prepare the rice mixture: Mix cooked rice with butter, milk, cheese, and salt until creamy. Spread half into the bottom of a greased baking dish.

  2. Cook the beef filling: Sauté onion and garlic in oil. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, paste, and seasonings. Simmer 8–10 minutes.

  3. Assemble the layers: Spread beef mixture over rice. Add another layer of rice. Top generously with shredded cheese.

  4. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

  5. Serve: Let cool slightly before cutting into squares. Enjoy warm!

🔑 Notes

  • Cook rice ahead of time to make assembly quicker.

  • Use leftover rice to make this budget-friendly and time-saving.

  • Try a cheese blend (mozzarella + cheddar) for gooey + sharp flavor combo.

🌟 Introduction

This Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole is comfort food done right: creamy layers of rice, savory beef filling, and a bubbling cheese topping that’s irresistible. It’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week.

Recommended  WW Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet 🍳🥒🌶️

Think of it as a cross between lasagna and shepherd’s pie — but with rice instead of pasta or potatoes.

🥄 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Make the rice mixture
Combine hot cooked rice with butter, milk, and cheese. Mix until creamy. Spread half into a greased casserole dish.

2. Cook the beef filling
In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, paste, and seasonings. Simmer until slightly thickened.

3. Layer the casserole
Spread beef mixture evenly over the rice base. Add the remaining rice on top. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

4. Bake & serve
Bake until golden and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into neat servings.

🥬 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

  • Rice: White rice gives a soft texture; brown rice or quinoa can be swapped for extra nutrition.

  • Beef: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork also work.

  • Cheese: Mozzarella = gooey, cheddar = sharp, Monterey Jack = creamy. Mix for best results.

  • Tomato Base: Can swap with marinara sauce for convenience.

🍽 Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Mexican-Style: Add taco seasoning + black beans, top with jalapeños.

  • Creamy Twist: Mix sour cream into the beef for richer flavor.

  • Vegetarian: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.

  • Serving Idea: Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze whole casserole (unbaked) up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F until hot throughout.

  • Reheat: Microwave or bake individual portions until warmed through.

Recommended  Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs

⚖️ Nutrition (per serving, est. 8 servings)

  • Calories: ~360

  • Protein: 20g

  • Carbs: 32g

  • Fat: 16g

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours before, refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Add chili flakes, cayenne, or chopped jalapeños to the beef layer.

Q: Can I use leftover chili as the beef filling?
A: Absolutely — it makes this casserole even heartier.

Final Notes

This Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole is the definition of comfort food: creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck dish, it’s guaranteed to please a crowd.

Rabia
Latest posts by Rabia (see all)

Leave a Comment

← Table of content