A Comforting & Easy One-Pan Meal!
If you’re looking for a delicious, family-friendly, and budget-friendly meal, this Beef and Rice Casserole with Cheese is a must-try! Made with simple ingredients, this casserole is easy to prepare, packed with protein, and full of cheesy goodness.
This dish is perfect for meal prepping, busy weeknights, or a cozy weekend dinner. It’s freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable pantry staples.
✔ Super Cheesy & Delicious – A comforting, gooey dish that everyone loves!
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or protein variations.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for prepping in advance and freezing.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
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1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
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1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
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1 cup beef broth
For the Rice & Cheese:
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1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for flavor boost)
Optional Add-Ins:
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½ cup bell peppers, chopped
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½ cup mushrooms, sliced
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½ cup frozen peas or corn
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
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Stir in chopped onions and cook for another 3 minutes until softened.
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Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring to release the fragrance.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings & Sauce
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Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Add Rice & Broth
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Stir in uncooked rice and beef broth.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the rice to start absorbing the flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole & Add Cheese
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If using a skillet, leave everything in the same pan (or transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish).
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Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Step 5: Add More Cheese & Broil
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Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella cheese on top.
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Bake uncovered for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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For a crispy cheese topping, broil for 2-3 minutes on high (watch carefully to prevent burning).
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
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Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set before serving.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired.
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Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Serving Suggestions
🍞 With Garlic Bread – The perfect way to scoop up all the cheesy goodness.
🥗 Side Salad – A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
🌽 Steamed Veggies – Serve with broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus.
Tips for Perfect Beef and Rice Casserole
✔ Use High-Quality Cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
✔ Let it Rest Before Serving – This helps the cheese set and prevents it from being too runny.
✔ Choose the Right Rice – White rice cooks faster, while brown rice takes longer and may need extra broth.
✔ Make it Creamy – Add ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture for extra richness.
Variations & Customizations
🥩 Use Different Proteins – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
🥦 Add More Vegetables – Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or carrots.
🔥 Make It Spicy – Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
🧄 Boost the Flavor – Stir in roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes.
Storage & Reheating
How to Store Leftovers:
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Let the casserole cool completely before storing.
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How to Freeze:
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Freeze before baking: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Freeze after baking: Let it cool, then store in a freezer-safe dish.
How to Reheat:
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Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until warm.
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Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I Use Instant Rice?
Yes, but reduce the baking time to 15-20 minutes, as instant rice cooks faster.
What Cheese Works Best?
Cheddar and mozzarella are great, but you can also use Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for a twist.
Conclusion
This Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—savory, cheesy, and easy to make! Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that will leave everyone wanting more.
🔥 Try this recipe today and enjoy a cozy, restaurant-quality meal at home! 🍽️
