Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a quintessential family dinner that combines the heartiness of a cheeseburger with the comforting texture of a classic rice bake. By using long-grain white rice instead of instant, the grains stay distinct and soak up the savory beef broth and tomato acidity without becoming mushy. Whether you choose the quick stovetop method or the crispy-topped oven version, it’s a reliable one-pan wonder.

Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

Two Easy Methods:

🔥 Stovetop Method (30 Minutes, One Pot)

Step 1: Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the 1 lb of beef over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain the excess fat to keep the rice from becoming oily.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook for 3/4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the Rice: Stir in the 1 1/2 cups of long-grain rice along with the oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the rice toast for 1/2 minutes; this adds a subtle nutty flavor.

Step 4: Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 5: Cook Covered: Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly and simmer for 18/20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.

Step 6: Cheese and Melt: Remove from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup over the top, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes to melt into a gooey layer.

🍲 Oven-Baked Method (Hands-Off)

Follow steps 1 through 4 on the stovetop. Then, pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Uncover, top with the cheese, and bake for another 5/10 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.