Irresistible Cheesy Beef and Rice Bake Recipe for Easy Dinners

Warm, comforting meals are the secret weapon for any dinner dilemma, and this cheesy beef and rice bake recipe delivers pure satisfaction.

Packed with hearty flavors and melting cheese, the dish combines simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ground beef sizzles with rich seasonings, creating a mouthwatering base that promises deliciousness in every bite.

Tender rice soaks up the savory juices, while a blanket of golden cheese melts into irresistible layers of comfort.

Each forkful brings together robust meat, fluffy grains, and creamy cheese in a single skillet sensation.

The recipe works magic for busy weeknights, offering a quick and filling meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this effortless, crowd-pleasing dinner that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Calories: 455 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredient List for Cheesy Beef and Rice Bake

• Rice: Serves as the hearty foundation, with long-grain varieties offering the best texture and absorption.
• Ground Beef: The protein powerhouse that adds richness and satisfying depth to the casserole.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses moisture and creates a luxurious, flavor-packed base for the entire dish.

• Onions: Brings a caramelized sweetness and aromatic foundation to the meal.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a warm, intense background note that elevates the entire dish.
• Salt, Pepper, Oregano: Provide balanced seasoning and herbal complexity.

• Sour Cream: Creates a luscious, tangy backdrop that adds incredible smoothness.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into golden, stretchy perfection, adding sharp and creamy dimensions.
• Tomato Sauce: Introduces bright acidity and vibrant color to balance the richness.
• Frozen Green Peas: Contributes a sweet, fresh pop of color and nutritional boost.

Supplies You Need for Beef and Rice Bake

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and creating the flavorful filling.
• Casserole Dish: Perfect for baking and serving the hearty meal.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining sour cream and cheese topping.
• Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and spreading mixtures evenly.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure ingredients like rice and broth.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Preparation Method for Cheesy Beef and Rice Bake

Cozy Beef and Cheese Comfort Dish

• Oven Warm-Up

Gently heat the oven to create a welcoming cooking environment for your delicious meal.

• Meat and Veggie Magic

Brown the ground beef with onions in a skillet, letting the flavors dance and mingle together.

• Flavor Foundation

Enhance the meat mixture with herbs and seasonings, creating a rich base that makes taste buds sing.

• Creamy Blend

Combine the beef with rice, peas, and cheese, stirring until everything becomes a harmonious mixture.

• Layered Goodness

Pour the mixture into a baking dish, topping with a velvety layer of sour cream and extra cheese.

• Golden Finish

Bake until the top transforms into a bubbling, golden masterpiece that looks as amazing as it smells.

Helpful Cooking Notes for Cheesy Beef and Rice Bake

• Beef and Rice Bake Magic Moments
• Meat Prep Power: Brown ground beef thoroughly to lock in rich flavors and ensure food safety, breaking meat into small crumbles for even cooking.
• Cheese Melting Secrets: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother melting and more intense flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
• Vegetable Swap Opportunities: Replace green peas with corn, diced carrots, or mixed vegetables to add color, nutrition, and personal preference to the casserole.
• Spice Level Adventures: Kick up heat by adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a spicy twist on this comfort classic.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator and baking just before serving for convenient meal planning.

Serving Ideas for Beef and Rice Bake Meals

• Comfort Food Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this hearty, cheesy dish that screams cozy dinner night.
• Meal Prep Champion: Easily prepare this casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready for a quick weeknight dinner solution.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve alongside crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal that sports fans and families will devour.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions for lunch the next day, packed with protein and flavor that tastes even better after resting overnight.

Planning Storage for Cheesy Beef and Rice Bake

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double batch of this hearty casserole and divide into individual portions for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerate extra servings in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap the casserole tightly in aluminum foil and freeze uncooked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure even heating.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover casserole in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Ingredient Prep Hack: Chop onions and cook rice in advance to reduce total meal preparation time. Store prepped ingredients separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, allowing for faster assembly when you're ready to cook.

Hearty Beef and Rice Bake

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired cheesy beef and rice bake delivers comforting layers of hearty flavors in one satisfying casserole. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy rice combine for a simple weeknight dinner that families will crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup cooked rice (long-grain white or brown)
• 2 onions, diced
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 8 oz (236 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 2 tsps garlic powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Meat Foundation: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly brown ground beef with onions until meat is fully cooked and onions become translucent, then sprinkle garlic powder and stir briefly to enhance aromatic qualities.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Drain excess fat, then season the beef mixture with oregano, salt, and pepper to build a robust taste profile, integrating tomato sauce, cooked rice, green peas, and chicken broth until ingredients are perfectly melded.
4. Cheese Integration: Fold in shredded cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy, cohesive filling, then transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
5. Initial Baking: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes to harmonize flavors, simultaneously preparing a luxurious topping by whisking sour cream with remaining cheese.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove the casserole, spread the creamy cheese mixture across the top, and return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
7. Serving: Allow the casserole to rest briefly, enabling it to set and cool slightly before presenting this delectable dish.

Notes

• Drain Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a cleaner, lighter texture.
• Layer Strategically: Distribute ingredients evenly for balanced flavor in every single bite, creating a harmonious blend of textures.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Allow cheese to melt slowly and naturally for maximum creaminess and smooth integration into the casserole.
• Resting Period: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to help ingredients settle and make cutting and serving easier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg