This cheesy beef and wild rice casserole hits the spot every time. I especially love making it on rainy days when I’m feeling blech and want something warm and comforting in my belly.
Like cheeeeeese!
Cheesy Beef and Wild Rice Casserole
There’s lots of cheese in this dish, but there are also lots of vegetables and rice. It’s all about balance, right?
To switch things up, I’ve also made it with ground white meat turkey and that tastes equally delicious. You could also try different veggie combinations or a single veggie if that’s your preference. The fun in making casseroles is playing around with the ingredients. I think that’s why I like casseroles so much… well, that and the fact they are seriously good comfort food.
But let’s be honest… the cheese is the best part. Perhaps that’s the most comforting part of all.
Cheesy Beef and Wild Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1 16 oz bag mixed vegetables, California blend thawed
- 1 6-ounce box original recipe long grain and wild rice (Uncle Ben's) prepared as directed
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of celery soup
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded 4 State Cheddar divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large skillet, brown ground beef and onion; drain.
- While ground beef is cooking, prepare wild rice as directed on box.
- Add cooked beef, vegetables, prepared rice, cream of celery soup, tomato sauce, 1 cup of the cheese, salt, pepper and seasoning to a large casserole dish. Sprinkle on remaining cheese. Cover; bake 30 minutes or until heated through.
Pin it for a future meal!
Casseroles are my jam, and this cheesy beef and wild rice casserole is delish! I have a ton of other casserole recipes on the blog too, so check them out for more dinner inspiration.
Barbara says
Can you use Minute Rice
Liz says
Yes, you could “technically” use prepared Minute Rice. However, there’s a seasoning packet in Uncle Ben’s so you’d be lacking all the seasoning flavor.
Kathy says
I make this almost exact casserole but I use the cauliflower rice and it turns out just as good and my husband doesn’t even know.
Lis says
Have you tried putting whole wheat penne pasta instead of rice?
Liz says
I haven’t tried that yet, but it sounds really good!
VANCE ALLEN says
I made this last night and cooked 3 slices of bacon and crumbled it on top. It took an incredibly delicious dish and made it mind blowing!
Liz says
LOVE that idea!!! I’m going to try it next time I make it. 🙂
Vance Allen says
Thanks! Trust me you’ll have dreams about it😁
Sissy says
This sounds perfect and so adaptable to favorite vegetables. Maybe some light rolls and a green salad to go with. Since it is Fall an apple cobbler for dessert.
Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to make it.
Liz says
I like how you think!
Elena Del Tio says
Making this tomorrow!
Kay says
Made this last night. Winner! Great flavor. I used about a cup of broccoli cuts and a cup of mixed veggies (peas, corn and carrots). Delicious, thanks for the recipe!
Michelle says
This is not say how many serving sizes does anybody know
Liz says
I would say 6-8 servings.
shelly peterson says
What a great looking casserole. I love that it has veggies in it.
Jessica To says
My son just told me last night that he was craving rice! The only thing I had was a Rice Krispie treat and he said he’d pass! I’ll have to try this recipe.
Michele says
You had me at cheese!! This looks amazing. I seriously love dishes made with ground beef and veggies as well. Pinning this!
Cathy says
It says one box of rice it doesn’t say what size box
Liz says
It’s a 6 ounce box. I’ll add that in. Thanks!