Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe – A Comfort Food Classic

Hearty, creamy, and packed with cheesy ranch flavor, this beef and rice casserole is a one-dish wonder for busy nights.

🎉 Introduction

Need a dinner that’s easy, filling, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family? Say hello to this Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole! It combines savory ground beef, tender rice, melty cheddar, and ranch seasoning in a creamy, bubbly casserole that’s pure comfort food. 🧀🍚🥩

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal prep win, this dish comes together in one pan and delivers on every bite. The best part? It’s a total crowd-pleaser—kids and adults alike can’t get enough!

🛒 Ingredients

🥩 Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

🧀 Creamy Mixture

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix

🧀 Cheesy Topping

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions or parsley (optional garnish)

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Cook the Beef

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Combine the Casserole Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked beef, uncooked rice, soups, milk, ranch seasoning, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
2. Stir until everything is fully mixed.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until rice is tender.

Step 4: Add the Final Cheese

1. Remove foil, top with remaining ½ cup cheese.
2. Return to oven and bake uncovered for 5–10 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour

🥄 Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a can of diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne
• Veggie Boost: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or broccoli
• Different Cheese: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby for extra flavor
• Cream-Free Version: Replace soup with sour cream and broth
• Chicken Swap: Use cooked shredded chicken instead of beef for a twist

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating
• Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead?
   Yes, but parboil it first or increase the baking time.
2. Do I have to use canned soup?
   No—make a homemade roux or substitute with sour cream and broth.
3. Can I make this ahead?
   Absolutely—assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. What if my rice isn’t fully cooked?
   Cover again and bake 10–15 minutes longer.
5. Can I use leftover rice?
   Yes, but reduce baking time since rice is already cooked.
6. Is it gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free soup and ranch mix, and check all labels.
7. Can I add more cheese?
   Always! Mix extra into the base or add more on top.
8. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes—use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans.
9. What meat alternatives work?
   Ground turkey or chicken are great swaps.
10. Does this freeze well?
    Yes—wrap portions individually for easy reheat meals.

🏁 Conclusion

Creamy, cheesy, and brimming with flavor, this Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is your answer to stress-free dinners. It’s hearty enough to feed a crowd, simple enough for a weeknight, and comforting enough to become a regular in your rotation. 🧀🍽️💛

Bake it once—and watch it disappear in seconds!

Adam

Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe – A Comfort Food Classic

Need a dinner that’s easy, filling, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family? Say hello to this Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole! It combines savory ground beef, tender rice, melty cheddar, and ranch seasoning in a creamy, bubbly casserole that’s pure comfort food. 🧀🍚🥩 Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal prep win, this dish comes together in one pan and delivers on every bite. The best part? It’s a total crowd-pleaser—kids and adults alike can’t get enough!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

bake time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

🥩 Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced

🧀 Creamy Mixture

• 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix

🧀 Cheesy Topping

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions or parsley optional garnish

Method

 

Step 1: Cook the Beef

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Combine the Casserole Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked beef, uncooked rice, soups, milk, ranch seasoning, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
2. Stir until everything is fully mixed.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until rice is tender.

Step 4: Add the Final Cheese

1. Remove foil, top with remaining ½ cup cheese.
2. Return to oven and bake uncovered for 5–10 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

🥄 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a can of diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne

Veggie Boost: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or broccoli

Different Cheese: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby for extra flavor

Cream-Free Version: Replace soup with sour cream and broth

Chicken Swap: Use cooked shredded chicken instead of beef for a twist

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freezer: Freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating

Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through

❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but parboil it first or increase the baking time.

Do I have to use canned soup?
No—make a homemade roux or substitute with sour cream and broth.

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely—assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What if my rice isn’t fully cooked?
Cover again and bake 10–15 minutes longer.

Can I use leftover rice?
Yes, but reduce baking time since rice is already cooked.

Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soup and ranch mix, and check all labels.

Can I add more cheese?
Always! Mix extra into the base or add more on top.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans.

What meat alternatives work?
Ground turkey or chicken are great swaps.

Does this freeze well?
Yes—wrap portions individually for easy reheat meals.

🏁 Conclusion
Creamy, cheesy, and brimming with flavor, this Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is your answer to stress-free dinners. It’s hearty enough to feed a crowd, simple enough for a weeknight, and comforting enough to become a regular in your rotation. 🧀🍽️💛

Bake it once—and watch it disappear in seconds!