How to Make Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a cheesy, crispy topping. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole delivers all the cozy, comforting flavors of a hearty dinner with a lightened-up twist. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Savory and Satisfying – Ground beef provides a rich, savory base, perfectly balanced by fluffy rice.
Cheesy Topping – A layer of melted cheddar cheese gives this casserole a deliciously crispy, cheesy crust.
One-Pan Wonder – Simple to prepare and easy to clean up afterward.
Quick to Assemble – This casserole comes together in less than 30 minutes of active time.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

Instructions

Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.

Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan, cooking for about 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Add Rice and Seasoning
Stir in the rice, beef broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for 15 minutes, until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.

Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the rice and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with Greek yogurt, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.

Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 280
Protein: 23g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Lean Beef – Use lean ground beef to keep the dish light without sacrificing flavor.
• Cheese Options – You can experiment with different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or reduced-fat mozzarella, for a twist on the classic cheddar.
• Fluff the Rice – Make sure the rice absorbs the liquid fully before baking, so it’s fluffy and tender.
• Add Veggies – Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or tomatoes to boost the nutritional value.

Why This Recipe Works

This Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines the best of both worlds—savory comfort and smart, lighter ingredients. The rich flavors of the ground beef pair beautifully with the fluffy rice, while the cheesy topping adds the perfect finishing touch. The reduced-fat cheese and Greek yogurt keep the dish creamy and satisfying, without being overly heavy.

This casserole is a weeknight winner, providing all the delicious flavors you crave in a healthier, more mindful way. It’s comforting, cheesy, and filling—exactly what you want from a cozy dinner that doesn’t take hours to prepare. Plus, it’s an easy, make-ahead dish that everyone will love.