Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a meaty, cheesy, and creamy hamburger rice hot dish. This weeknight dinner will be a hit!

Hamburger and cheesy ranch casserole in baking dish.

Hamburger Rice Hot Dish

I love recipes I can make with basic ingredients I consider staples in my kitchen. Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole recipe is perfect in that way.

And for my friends in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota (and anywhere else) who refer to a casserole as a "hot dish"--this comfort food is for you! 🥰

Cheesy ranch and rice casserole in a red pan.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ground meat--I've used both ground beef and ground pork.
Fresh Onion and Garlic--Flavor this casserole. Use garlic powder and onion powder if preferred.
Regular Long Grain Rice, cooked--I use brown Jasmine rice since it is whole grain, but white rice would work just fine. You can even use Instant Rice if that's what you prefer. I love cooking rice in the instant pot.
Ranch Seasoning packet--I buy Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix in bulk, but you just need 1 envelope.
Cream Cheese--Soften it makes it easier to stir in.
Milk--Makes it all mix together nicely. You can use broth if you prefer.
Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning--Or use your favorite seasoning salt.
Chicken or Beef Bouillon--Flavors the casserole.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese--Stir some in and sprinkle some on top.
Black Pepper--To your taste.
Green Onions or Fresh Parsley--for a touch of freshness on top.

The ingredients needed to make Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.

How to make Cheesy Ranch Hamburger & Rice Hot Dish

Preheat the oven.
Cook the long-grain rice according to package directions. I cooked my rice in the Instant Pot.
While the rice is cooking, brown the hamburger, onions, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
When meat is fully cooked, add ranch dressing mix, cream cheese, milk, bouillon, and Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning. Transfer to a 9x13 casserole dish.
Stir in the tender rice mixture and about one cup of cheese.
Top the casserole with the extra cheese.
Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until the cheesy beef casserole is bubbly and the shredded cheese melts.

Adding ranch, chicken bouillon, and cream cheese to my onions, garlic, and hamburger.

Top Tips

Prepare this dish in the Instant Pot if you like. Brown the hamburger, onions, and garlic on the sear/saute setting. Set aside. Then cook the rice in the instant pot as directed on your instant pot.

Stir the beef mixture into the rice, add the remaining ingredients and cook until the cheese is melted.

Hamburger Rice Hot Dish

I'm not the kind of mom that puts veggies inside most casseroles. (I don't get enough credit from my children for this.)

However, if you are the kind of cook who likes an all-inclusive casserole dish, feel free to add a cup or 2 of frozen mixed veggies, peas, corn, broccoli, or your favorite.

I'll keep serving my veggies on the side.

FAQ

What vegetables are good options to add to casseroles?

Add any veggie you like! I like to add frozen peas, frozen corn, or broccoli florets cut small. Other veggies that go well include fresh spinach, shaved Brussels sprouts, bell pepper, and cauliflower.

What type of rice should I use for casseroles?

It's typically best to use the type of recipe called for in the recipe.

Since this recipe calls for the rice to be cooked separately, you can use any kind of rice that you like following the package directions.

Can you make this casserole in advance?

Sure! Put this casserole together and cover with foil. Place it in the fridge until ready to bake. Plan to bake for 10-20 minutes longer to ensure the middle is warmed through.

How do I measure rice for a recipe?

This recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked rice. So measure 2 cups of dry rice and cook it with the amount of liquid the package indicates.

Substitutions and Variations

Instant Pot Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole--Prepare this dish in the Instant Pot if you like. Brown the hamburger, onions, and garlic on the sear/saute setting. Set aside. Then cook the rice in the instant pot as directed on your instant pot. Mix as directed in the recipe and cook on slow cook until cheese is melted.

Cheesy Ranch Ground Pork and Rice Casserole with Vegetables--Add any frozen or drained canned vegetables you like to make a healthy hamburger rice casserole. Corn, peas, or mixed vegetables would work nicely.

Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Rice Casserole--Use ground or chopped chicken instead of ground beef.

Mexican Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole--Add a can of rinsed black beans, and an envelope of taco seasoning instead of the ranch envelope for a south-of-the-border flavor. Serve with a cool dollop of sour cream.

Cheesy Ranch Ground Pork and Rice Casserole--use ground pork instead of beef

Storing Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Allow Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to cool slightly before putting the leftovers into a shallow airtight container and it will be just as tasty the next day.

Store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole reheats nicely in the microwave. If you find it is a little dry, add a splash of milk and stir.

Serving Ideas

Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a one-pot dish with meat, carbs, and veggies all wrapped into one dish.

You might enjoy serving it with another of our one-pot wonders, Applesauce Jello.

A fresh, crisp salad such as Vietti Salad would round this dish out nicely.

Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with melted cheese.

Something Else To Try

If you're a fan of easy casseroles and hot dish meals, check out a few fan favorites!

Mexican Mac and Cheese--another easy ground beef casserole recipe.

Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing--a taco casserole that is one of my favorite meals for busy weeknights.

Quick Korean Bulgogi--use one pound of ground beef into a Korean flavored favorite.

Cheesy Kielbasa Hash Brown Casserole--Melty cheese and kielbasa make an interesting twist to bring to the dinner table tonight.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta --Maybe the perfect meal ever made in one pot.

Did You Try This Recipe?

Lastly, if you made Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, for an easy weeknight meal using this recipe please let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and/or giving a rating!

I love hearing from you! I'll do my best to respond to each comment.

And of course, if you do make this recipe, tag me on Instagram! Seeing your photos is my favorite thing!

Food Safety

Wash hands before cooking
Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
Wash hands after touching raw meat
Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
Never leave cooking food unattended