Ultimate Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole 

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Why This Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole Is So Popular

  • Creamy, cheesy texture with tender rice
  • Savory, well-seasoned beef in every bite
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients
  • One-dish meal (easy cleanup)
  • Budget-friendly and filling
  • Reheats beautifully and freezes well

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Base Ingredients

  • 250 g (1¼ cups) uncooked white rice (long-grain or jasmine)
  • 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 750 ml (3 cups) beef broth (warm)

Creamy Elements

  • 200 ml (¾ cup + 2 tbsp) heavy cream
  • 120 ml (½ cup) milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Cheese Layer

  • 200 g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 100 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Optional: pinch of chili flakes

Garnish (Optional)

  • Chopped parsley or chives

Choosing the Right Rice (Very Important)

Rice is the backbone of this dish, and the wrong type can ruin the texture.

Best choices:

  • Long-grain white rice
  • Jasmine rice

Avoid:

  • Instant rice (gets mushy)
  • Brown rice (needs much longer cooking and more liquid unless adjusted)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
  3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned.
  5. Break the meat into small crumbles.
  6. Drain excess fat if needed.

Season with:

  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Thyme

Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Base

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  2. Lightly grease a baking dish (medium size).
  3. Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the dish.
  4. Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the rice.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add beef broth, milk, and cream.
  3. Stir gently and heat until warm (do not boil).
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning lightly.

Warm liquid helps the rice cook evenly in the oven.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Spread cooked beef evenly over the rice.
  2. Pour the warm creamy broth mixture over everything.
  3. Gently shake the dish so liquid settles evenly.
  4. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella on top.

Step 5: First Bake (Covered)

  1. Cover tightly with foil.
  2. Bake at 190°C / 375°F for 35–40 minutes.
  3. Remove from oven and check rice tenderness.

Rice should be almost fully cooked at this stage.

Step 6: Final Cheese Layer & Bake

  1. Remove foil.
  2. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly on top.
  3. Return to oven uncovered.
  4. Bake an additional 15–20 minutes until:
    • Cheese is melted and bubbling
    • Top is lightly golden
    • Sauce has thickened

Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for extra browning.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

This allows:

  • Sauce to thicken
  • Rice to absorb remaining moisture
  • Cleaner slices and better texture

Texture & Flavor Breakdown

  • Top: Stretchy, golden melted cheese
  • Middle: Juicy, seasoned beef
  • Bottom: Creamy, tender rice soaked in rich broth

Every spoonful is warm, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Delicious Variations

Tex-Mex Style

Add:

  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Corn or black beans
  • Top with jalapeños

Mushroom Beef Version

Add:

  • 200 g sautéed mushrooms
  • Extra thyme for depth

Extra Creamy Version

Replace half the milk with:

  • Cream cheese (100 g, softened)

Low-Carb Adaptation

Replace rice with:

  • Cauliflower rice (reduce liquid by half)

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs well with:

  • Fresh green salad
  • Steamed broccoli or green beans
  • Garlic bread
  • Roasted vegetables

It also works perfectly as a standalone comfort meal.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead

  • Assemble everything
  • Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours
  • Bake when ready (add 5–10 minutes)

Refrigeration

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container
  • Keeps 4 days

Freezing

  • Freeze baked casserole in portions
  • Keeps 2 months

Reheating

  • Oven: 180°C / 350°F for 15–20 minutes
  • Microwave: Add a splash of milk to keep moist

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Using instant rice
  • ❌ Not covering tightly during first bake
  • ❌ Too little liquid (rice stays hard)
  • ❌ Overbaking uncovered
  • ❌ Skipping rest time

Nutrition (Approx. per Serving)

  • Calories: 480–520 kcal
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Carbs: 32 g

Final Thoughts

This cheesy beef and rice casserole is everything comfort food should be: warm, filling, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or when you just need something cozy and satisfying.

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