Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole — Comfort Food at Its Best

A hearty, creamy casserole of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, melted cheese, and ranch flavor—perfect as an easy weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing meal!

🎉 Introduction

Craving a cozy, cheesy, one-dish wonder? This Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole delivers on simplicity, flavor, and comfort. With ground beef, tender rice, ranch seasoning, and tons of melted cheese, it’s like all your favorite casserole memories baked into one plate. 🍽️🧀

Ideal for busy households, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting, low-fuss dinner that’s ready in under an hour.

🛒 Ingredients

(Serves 6)

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or deep casserole pan.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking into crumbles.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine Casserole Base

1. In a large bowl, mix together rice, ranch seasoning, cream soup, broth, and sour cream until well combined.
2. Fold in the cooked beef mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Bake

1. Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
2. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
3. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for 10–12 more minutes, until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, then scoop and enjoy warm.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: ~47 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour

🥄 Variations

• Chicken Swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef
• Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower rice
• Creamier Version: Add ½ cup cream cheese into the mix
• Spicy Kick: Stir in ½ tsp chili powder or canned jalapeños
• Veggie Boost: Add frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers into the casserole

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole covered for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze in portions (without garnish) for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Microwave or cover and bake at 350 °F until warmed
• Prep Tip: Mix everything and refrigerate the night before; bake next day

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice?
   Yes, but add ~10 mins to bake time and use more broth.
2. Is ranch seasoning necessary?
   It’s key for flavor—but you can mix garlic powder, dill, and onion powder as a substitute.
3. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes—use a 9×15 pan and adjust bake time accordingly.
4. Can I use shredded mozzarella instead?
   Absolutely! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend works well.
5. Is sour cream essential?
   Yes—it helps create a creamy texture and adds tang.
6. Can I add bacon?
   Sure—cooked bacon makes it even more indulgent.
7. Can kids help make this?
   Yes—they can stir ingredients and sprinkle cheese.
8. What goes well with this?
   Try a green salad, steamed veggies, or roasted broccoli.
9. Can I use leftover rice?
   It changes texture—uncooked rice gives best results.
10. Any vegetarian version?
    Use plant-based beef crumbles and vegetable broth + omit cheese or use dairy alternative.

🏁 Conclusion

Global comfort in a single dish: this Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole brings creamy, cheesy, flavorful satisfaction with minimal effort. It’s a permanent keeper—for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and my freezer meal rotation!

Serve it warm, garnish it fresh, and enjoy dinner without the fuss.

Adam

Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole — Comfort Food at Its Best

Craving a cozy, cheesy, one-dish wonder? This Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole delivers on simplicity, flavor, and comfort. With ground beef, tender rice, ranch seasoning, and tons of melted cheese, it’s like all your favorite casserole memories baked into one plate. 🍽️🧀 Ideal for busy households, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting, low-fuss dinner that’s ready in under an hour.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

bake time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Serves 6
• 1 lb 450 g ground beef
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 packet 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Method

 

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or deep casserole pan.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking into crumbles.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine Casserole Base

1. In a large bowl, mix together rice, ranch seasoning, cream soup, broth, and sour cream until well combined.
2. Fold in the cooked beef mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Bake

1. Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
2. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
3. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for 10–12 more minutes, until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, then scoop and enjoy warm.

Notes

🥄 Variations
Chicken Swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef

Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower rice

Creamier Version: Add ½ cup cream cheese into the mix

Spicy Kick: Stir in ½ tsp chili powder or canned jalapeños

Veggie Boost: Add frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers into the casserole

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole covered for up to 4 days

Freezer: Freeze in portions (without garnish) for up to 2 months

Reheat: Microwave or cover and bake at 350 °F until warmed

Prep Tip: Mix everything and refrigerate the night before; bake next day

❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but add ~10 mins to bake time and use more broth.

Is ranch seasoning necessary?
It’s key for flavor—but you can mix garlic powder, dill, and onion powder as a substitute.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes—use a 9×15 pan and adjust bake time accordingly.

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend works well.

Is sour cream essential?
Yes—it helps create a creamy texture and adds tang.

Can I add bacon?
Sure—cooked bacon makes it even more indulgent.

Can kids help make this?
Yes—they can stir ingredients and sprinkle cheese.

What goes well with this?
Try a green salad, steamed veggies, or roasted broccoli.

Can I use leftover rice?
It changes texture—uncooked rice gives best results.

Any vegetarian version?
Use plant-based beef crumbles and vegetable broth + omit cheese or use dairy alternative.

🏁 Conclusion
Global comfort in a single dish: this Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole brings creamy, cheesy, flavorful satisfaction with minimal effort. It’s a permanent keeper—for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and my freezer meal rotation!

Serve it warm, garnish it fresh, and enjoy dinner without the fuss.