Go Back
When it comes to weeknight dinners, few meals can rival the comfort and satisfaction offered by a cheesy beef and broccoli rice casserole. This dish seamlessly combines protein, vegetables, and grains into a single serving that is not only hearty but also pleasing to the palate. The rich, creamy texture of the cheese melds beautifully with tender bites of beef and crisp broccoli, creating a wholesome meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Rice Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Rice Casserole! Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-dish meal combines tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and savory rice, all enveloped in creamy cheese. It's not just delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a family-friendly favorite. Save time on prep and cleanup while enjoying a meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Try this hearty casserole and enjoy the wonderful flavors that come together in one baking dish!

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

2 cups beef broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup cream of mushroom soup (optional for extra creaminess)

Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Then, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

      Season the Mixture: Stir in Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and paprika to the beef mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

        Boil the Rice and Broccoli: In a medium saucepan, bring beef broth to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice and fresh broccoli florets. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

          Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, the rice and broccoli mixture, and the cream of mushroom soup (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

            Add Cheese: Fold in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the mixture, reserving the other half for topping.

              Transfer to Baking Dish: Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and pour the beef, broccoli, and rice mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly.

                Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

                  Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                    Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6-8