Quick & Tasty Cheesy Beef and Rice Bake Recipe

Cheesy beef and rice bake promises a comforting meal that upgrades simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish combines robust flavors that appeal to hungry families seeking a reliable dinner solution.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together with minimal preparation time.

The melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling top that signals pure deliciousness waiting beneath.

Tender beef mingles seamlessly with fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Weeknight dinners rarely feel this effortless or deliver such crowd-pleasing results.

One pan makes cleanup a breeze, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the meal with loved ones.

Simple Baking Instructions for Beef and Rice Dish

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C) for perfect baking conditions.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Base

• Ground beef
• Diced onions

Brown the meat until it’s fully cooked and onions are translucent.

Sprinkle in garlic powder and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Season and Enhance the Mixture

• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Tomato sauce
• Cooked rice
• Green peas
• Chicken broth

Mix in one cup of shredded cheese and simmer until the cheese melts completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Casserole Dish

Grease a casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

Pour the beef and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake for 15 minutes to let flavors meld together.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Cheese Topping

• Sour cream
• Remaining shredded cheese

Spread this luxurious mixture over the partially baked casserole.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

This allows the dish to set and makes cutting easier.

Enjoy your comforting and cheesy beef rice bake!

Cheesy Beef and Rice Bake Everyone Will Request

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This cheesy beef and rice bake delivers ultimate comfort food with its rich, melted cheese and hearty ground beef blend that hugs your taste buds.
• Effortless One-Pot Wonder: The recipe simplifies meal preparation by combining all ingredients in a single skillet and casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Nutritious Family Pleaser: Packed with protein from beef, vegetables like green peas, and balanced with rice, this dish offers a complete meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its delicious flavor profile.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe provides a fast and filling meal option that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum satisfaction.

What You Need for Cheesy Beef and Rice Bake

• Ground Beef: Lean meat provides the hearty base for the casserole, adding rich protein and satisfying flavor.
• Rice: Long-grain white or brown rice creates a fluffy, tender foundation for the dish.

• Sour Cream: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the casserole together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a golden, stretchy topping with sharp, tangy flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and adds depth of savory flavor to the entire dish.

• Onions: Provide sweet, caramelized undertones when sautéed.
• Green Peas: Bright green vegetable that adds color and subtle sweetness.
• Tomato Sauce: Brings bright acidity and deep red color to the casserole.
• Garlic Powder: Offers warm, aromatic background notes.
• Salt, Pepper, Oregano: Classic seasonings that enhance overall taste profile.

Tips for Extra Creamy Beef and Rice Bake

• Boost Meat Flavor: Brown ground beef on high heat to develop rich, caramelized flavors before adding other ingredients.
• Perfect Rice Texture: Use day-old or slightly cooled rice to prevent mushy consistency and maintain a firmer grain structure.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Shred cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded to ensure smoother melting and better overall taste.
• Prevent Dry Casserole: Cover with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and prevent the dish from drying out.
• Quick Customization: Swap green peas with other vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn for added nutrition and variety.

How to Store and Heat Beef and Rice Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Cool the casserole completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake the entire casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

What Sides Work with Cheesy Beef and Rice Bake

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the cheesy beef and rice bake, cutting through the creamy cheese and enhancing the savory elements.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the casserole, adding a fresh, zesty contrast that brightens the entire meal.
• Match with Tangy Pickled Vegetables: Add a side of quick-pickled cucumbers or carrots to provide a sharp, acidic counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy dish, creating a vibrant flavor profile that refreshes the palate.
• Drink Craft Beer Alongside: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA to match the robust beef and cheese combination, with its malty undertones and slight bitterness perfectly cutting through the dish's richness.

Fun Additions for Your Beef and Rice Bake

• Spicy Southwest Beef Bake: Replace tomato sauce with salsa, add diced green chilies, and swap oregano for cumin. Top with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Lamb Casserole: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and add chopped mint and roasted red peppers. Incorporate kalamata olives for authentic flavor.
• Chicken and Vegetable Rice Casserole: Use shredded chicken instead of beef, mix in roasted zucchini and carrots, and replace tomato sauce with cream of mushroom soup. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top for added richness.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Bake: Replace ground beef with black beans, add corn kernels, and use vegetable broth. Mix in some smoked paprika and top with queso fresco for a protein-packed vegetarian option.

Cheesy Beef and Rice Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy beef and rice bake brings comfort straight from Mexican-inspired kitchens to dinner tables. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy rice combine in one skillet for a satisfying meal that promises warmth and flavor in each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Grains:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice (long-grain white or brown)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup sour cream

Vegetables and Liquids:

• 2 onions, diced
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces (236 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon oregano

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a gentle 250°F (120°C), ensuring an ideal cooking environment for the casserole.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high flame and thoroughly brown the ground beef with diced onions until meat is completely cooked and onions turn translucent.
3. Sprinkle garlic powder into the skillet and stir for a brief moment to release aromatic flavors.
4. Carefully drain any accumulated fat from the meat mixture to prevent excess greasiness.
5. Season the beef blend with oregano, salt, and pepper, creating a robust flavor profile.
6. Incorporate tomato sauce, cooked rice, green peas, and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring until ingredients are well combined.
7. Fold in one cup of shredded cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy, cohesive filling.
8. Grease a casserole dish and evenly distribute the prepared mixture across its surface.
9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
10. While baking, whisk sour cream with the remaining cheese in a separate bowl to create a luxurious topping.
11. Remove the casserole and carefully spread the creamy cheese mixture across the top.
12. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the surface turns golden and bubbly.
13. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Cool down the casserole for 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese topping set and flavors meld together.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating best in the oven to maintain crispy cheese topping.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg