Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

A cozy, family-favorite casserole made with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and plenty of melted cheese. Easy, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds ground beef
2 cups cooked white rice
1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby-Jack)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Brown the ground beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Season the beef
Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and parsley.
Mix the casserole
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked rice
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Cooked ground beef mixture
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
Mix until well combined.
Assemble
Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese evenly on top.
Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest & serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.