If there’s one dish that never lets me down when I need comfort (or need to win over a hungry crowd), it’s the Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Creamy, savory, and crowned with a crisp, golden cheddar crust, this bake is the very definition of cozy home cooking. Every spoonful delivers a masterful blend of tender rice, hearty ground beef, and that ooey-gooey cheese we all crave. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to pull together on a weeknight but guaranteed to please at any potluck. There’s a reason this casserole makes regular appearances on my table—and I can’t wait for it to join yours!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish does a little heavy lifting—flavor, texture, or that beautiful cheesy finish. The best part is how approachable each item is; these pantry and fridge staples transform into something magical together!
- Ground beef: The star protein that brings savory depth and hearty texture to every bite.
- Onion: Diced and sautéed for subtle sweetness and a touch of background flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses rich aroma and classic comfort.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a little kick and warmth throughout the casserole.
- Paprika: Smoked or sweet, it adds color and a gentle earthy note.
- Dried thyme: This herby element brings a hint of woodsy depth.
- Cooked white rice: The foundation of the casserole—fluffy and perfect for soaking up all the savory sauce.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Makes everything creamy and ties the mix together, while sneaking in some umami magic.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness to compliment the beef and cheese.
- Milk: Thins the sauce just enough for perfect creaminess.
- Frozen peas and carrots: These veggies offer color, sweetness, and a pop of nutrition—so convenient!
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: That unmistakable sharp, melty bite on both the inside and the irresistibly crunchy crust.
- Butter: Melted into the topping for extra richness you’ll taste in every forkful.
- Breadcrumbs: Give the casserole its signature golden, crispy cheddar crust.
How to Make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by cranking up your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to create that irresistible crust. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this simple step ensures your casserole will release beautifully after baking (and that no cheesy goodness goes to waste).
Step 2: Sauté Beef and Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and toss in your ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring often, until the beef is browned and those onions have softened up—usually about 6–7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme for a fragrant finale. Let everything mingle for about a minute, then drain off any excess fat if needed. This step sets the flavorful foundation for the whole Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
Step 3: Mix Up the Casserole Base
Grab your biggest mixing bowl and bring together the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, thawed peas and carrots, one cup of cheddar cheese, and all that tasty beef mixture you just made. Give it all a good stir until every grain of rice is blissfully coated. The mix should look creamy and loaded—just the kind of hearty comfort we’re after.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Pour the casserole mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. You want a smooth surface so every inch gets topped with that future crust.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheddar Crust Topping
In a smaller bowl, mix the remaining cup of shredded cheddar with the melted butter and breadcrumbs. This dreamy combo is your ticket to the “cheddar-crusted” magic—when it bakes, every bite will feature that crispy, cheesy topping you can’t resist.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle your cheddar-breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole. Pop the dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes—until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges. Don’t skip the final five-minute rest once it’s out of the oven; this allows everything to settle for easy, clean slices.
How to Serve Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving adds bright color and a little freshness to balance all those creamy flavors. For a bit of zing, a light sprinkle of smoked paprika looks gorgeous against the cheddar crust.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is hearty and filling, simple sides work best. I love pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some roasted green beans. If you’re in the mood for extra comfort, warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are perfect for scooping up any creamy leftovers on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, present the Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole straight from the baking dish for a rustic, homey vibe. Hosting friends? Try portioning into individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes for a fun, personalized touch. You can even cut it into squares and serve on a platter with toothpicks as a party appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The irresistible comfort of this casserole shines through even after a night in the fridge! Once fully cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to airtight containers. They’ll keep perfectly for up to three days, making Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole ideal for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your casserole, simply assemble everything except for the final breadcrumb and cheese topping. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed. The result: a make-ahead Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole that’s as fresh as the day you prepped it.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese on top is crispy again—usually about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a rush, but the oven keeps the crust at its best.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice brings a slightly nuttier flavor and a boost of fiber. Just be sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before adding to the mix to keep the texture just right.
What gluten-free options work for this casserole?
It’s easy to make your Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole gluten-free by swapping in gluten-free breadcrumbs and making sure your soup base is gluten-free (many brands now offer great options!).
How can I make this casserole a bit spicier?
If you crave a little heat, try adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the beef while sautéing. Pepper Jack cheese also melts wonderfully with cheddar and adds a fun kick to the crust!
Will the casserole dry out if reheated?
Reheating in the oven with a loose sheet of foil over the top helps lock in moisture, so your leftovers stay just as creamy as the first night. If you’re microwaving, a splash of milk over the slice helps too!
Can I customize the vegetables in this casserole?
Definitely. Feel free to use what you have on hand—frozen corn, green beans, bell peppers, or even spinach all taste delicious in this Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Just make sure any swaps are thawed and drained so the bake isn’t too watery.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings people together quite like a bubbling Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Whether you’re feeding a weeknight crew or sharing with friends, this dish checks every box for flavor, comfort, and convenience. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your family’s next classic favorite!
Print
Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a family dinner. With a flavorful beef and rice base topped with a crispy cheddar breadcrumb crust, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Rice Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the mixture: Combine cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, peas and carrots, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and beef mixture. Transfer to baking dish.
- Add topping: Mix remaining cheddar cheese with melted butter and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use extra-sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses like Colby Jack and mozzarella.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
