Are you on the hunt for the ultimate weeknight dinner? We all know the one we mean – it’s comforting, brimming with flavour, and so wonderfully simple that it quickly earns a regular spot on the family menu. If that sounds like what you need, then we have the perfect solution. Prepare to be won over by our definitive Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole, a one-pan triumph that promises a satisfying and hassle-free meal every single time.

This dish is far more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting embrace in a casserole dish. It masterfully blends savoury beef mince, light and fluffy rice, a deeply flavourful tomato sauce, and, of course, a generous, molten layer of cheese. It is the type of meal that gathers everyone around the dinner table, smiling. As far as easy rice dinner recipes go, this one is a true standout, ideal for those hectic evenings, relaxed weekends, or any time you fancy a bit of wholesome comfort food. Let’s get started and create something truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Complete One-Pan Meal: By combining protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in a single pan, you get a well-rounded meal with minimal fuss. This translates to less time spent over the stove and, more importantly, less washing up afterwards!
• Family-Friendly Favourite: From the fussiest toddlers to the hungriest teenagers, this casserole is a proven success. The classic, comforting tastes of beef, tomato, and cheese are universally adored, making it one of those indispensable easy family meals.
• Kind on Your Wallet: We’ve designed this recipe using straightforward and affordable ingredients that you likely already have, such as rice, tinned tomatoes, and beef mince. It allows you to serve up a hearty, fulfilling dinner without straining your budget.
• Ideal for Making Ahead: This casserole is perfectly suited for meal preparation. You can assemble it in advance and bake it later, or cook it completely and savour the delicious leftovers for lunch the following day. It’s just as tasty, if not more so!
• Wonderfully Versatile: Consider this recipe your starting point. Feel free to swap the vegetables, introduce a touch of spice, or try out different cheese combinations to truly make it your own. We have plenty of suggestions for you below.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g lean beef mince
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 750ml beef stock, hot
• 200g long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 150g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• 100g mozzarella cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make The Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Putting this wonderful dish together is surprisingly straightforward. We’ll walk you through each stage to make sure your casserole turns out perfectly bubbly, cheesy, and delicious on every occasion. For the best outcome, we suggest using a large, oven-safe skillet or a Dutch oven, which allows you to move effortlessly from the hob to the oven.

1. Brown the Mince and Aromatics

   Set your oven-safe skillet over a medium-high heat and pour in the olive oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and diced red pepper. Sauté for around 5 minutes, allowing them to soften. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until it becomes fragrant, taking care that it doesn’t burn. Tip the lean beef mince into the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until it has browned all over. If there’s a lot of excess fat, carefully drain it away.

2. Build the Flavourful Sauce

   Now that the beef is beautifully browned, it’s time to craft the rich sauce that unites all the elements. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, followed by the dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and a good few grinds of black pepper. Stir well to ensure the mince is evenly coated with the spices. Finally, pour in the tinned chopped tomatoes and the hot beef stock, and bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer.

3. Cook the Rice

   Once your sauce is simmering gently, stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice. It is crucial to ensure all the rice is submerged in the liquid. For more detailed advice on cooking grains, our article on How to Cook Perfect Fluffy Rice offers some excellent tips. Turn the heat down to low, place a lid on the skillet, and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes. The aim is for the rice to become tender and absorb the majority of the liquid. We suggest checking it after 15 minutes to avoid it becoming overcooked.

4. Get Ready for the Cheese

   Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6). After the rice has finished cooking, take the skillet off the heat. The secret to an outstanding cheesy casserole is, naturally, the cheese itself. Stir approximately half of the grated Cheddar and mozzarella into the beef and rice mixture. Continue stirring until it is well combined and begins to melt, which guarantees every mouthful is wonderfully cheesy.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

   Use the back of a spoon to smooth out the top of the casserole. Sprinkle the rest of the Cheddar and mozzarella evenly across the surface. Transfer the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be fully melted, bubbling, and developing lovely golden-brown patches. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving; this helps it to set, making it much easier to dish up.

Our Top Tips for a Flawless Casserole

This hearty ground beef casserole is a classic for good reason, but with a few of our simple tricks, you can elevate it from merely great to truly exceptional. Follow our expert pointers for the very best results.

• Grate Your Own Cheese: While convenient, pre-grated cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that can hinder a smooth melt. For that perfect, gooey cheese topping, we always advise grating a block of cheese yourself.
• Use a Hot Stock: Adding hot beef stock to the skillet helps to maintain a consistent cooking temperature. This ensures the rice cooks through more evenly and effectively.
• Don’t Over-Stir the Rice: After adding the rice and bringing it to a simmer, try to resist the temptation to stir it frequently. Too much stirring can release excess starch, which can make the rice sticky instead of fluffy.
• Let It Rest: That five-minute rest after baking is essential. It gives the flavours a chance to settle and the casserole to firm up, resulting in perfect, neat portions rather than a sloppy spoonful.

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the finest qualities of this recipe for cheesy ground beef rice casserole is its remarkable adaptability. Here are some of our favourite ways to add a twist:

• Add a Spicy Kick: For those who appreciate a bit of warmth, add a finely diced jalapeño along with the pepper, or simply add half a teaspoon of red chilli flakes when you add the other spices.
• Boost the Veggies: This dish is an excellent vehicle for getting more vegetables into your family’s diet. Add a cup of frozen sweetcorn or peas in the last 5 minutes of simmering the rice. You could also wilt a generous handful of spinach into the mix just before you add the cheese.
• Make It Creamy: To achieve an even richer and creamier consistency, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese or a spoonful of soured cream at the same time as the first batch of grated cheese.
• Switch Up the Protein: This recipe is just as delicious with other types of minced meat. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use pork mince for a slightly different flavour. A rich tomato base like our Easy Weeknight Bolognese Sauce can also be adapted for this recipe.

What to Serve with Your Ground Beef Casserole

Although this casserole is a satisfying meal in itself, a simple side dish can complement it perfectly. We particularly enjoy serving it with:

• A fresh, crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to provide a lovely contrast to the richness.
• Steamed green beans or tenderstem broccoli for a vibrant and healthy addition.
• Warm, crusty garlic bread, which is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that amazing sauce.

Storing and Reheating Your Casserole

This dish makes for brilliant leftovers! To store, let the casserole cool down completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep nicely in the fridge for up to 4 days.

It also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. For the best outcome, freeze it in an oven-safe dish covered tightly with both cling film and foil. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before you plan to reheat it.

To reheat, put the casserole in an oven preheated to 180°C (160°C Fan/Gas Mark 4) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it is piping hot throughout. You can also warm up individual servings in the microwave. For advice on reheating food safely, we rely on trusted resources like the UK’s Food Standards Agency.

FAQ

Your New Go-To Weeknight Winner

So there you have it – our simple, fulfilling, and utterly delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole recipe that we are confident will become a firm family favourite. It is the ideal response to that daily question of “what’s for dinner?”, providing comfort and flavour with very little fuss.

Whether you are an experienced cook or are just beginning your culinary adventures, this dish is wonderfully forgiving, flexible, and enjoyable to prepare. So, assemble your ingredients, get your hob ready, and prepare to create a meal that is sure to win you plenty of praise.

Have you given this recipe a go? Perhaps you have a unique variation of your own? We would be delighted to hear from you! Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts or tag us in your pictures on social media. Happy cooking!

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Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g lean beef mince
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 750ml beef stock, hot
• 200g long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 150g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
• 100g mozzarella cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion and red pepper for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Add the beef mince, break it up, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and hot beef stock. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6). Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the grated Cheddar and mozzarella cheese until combined and starting to melt.
5. Smooth the top of the casserole and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the surface. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden-brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving with a garnish of fresh parsley.

Nutrition Information: Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.