Why You’ll Love Easy 5‑Ingredient Casserole Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this casserole for its creamy, melty cheddar topping and hearty base of savory beef, rice and vegetables—comfort food without a long ingredient list. It’s budget‑friendly, straightforward to prepare, and perfect for weeknights when you don’t want to fuss but still want something satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, cooked rice, frozen mixed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Lightly grease a casserole dish, then transfer the mixture into it and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes, then serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook/bake time: ~30 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes

Variations

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Use a different condensed soup (like cream of chicken or celery) if you don’t have cream of mushroom.
Replace the frozen mixed vegetables with any of your favorites—corn, peas, green beans, chopped spinach all work well.
For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use meat‑free crumbles or simply add more vegetables and rice.
Want extra crunch? Before baking, sprinkle crushed crackers or French fried onions on top of the cheese layer.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers store well. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm in a 350 °F oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze individual servings for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat as usual.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake as directed—if it’s cold from the fridge you might need a few extra minutes.

Can I swap out the vegetable mix?

Yes — you’re free to use any frozen or fresh vegetables you like. Corn, peas, green beans, chopped spinach or broccoli are all great choices.

Is this casserole gluten‑free?

Only if you use a gluten‑free version of the condensed soup. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten‑free, so choose a certified gluten‑free cream of mushroom soup to make the dish safe.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Skip the ground beef and substitute in a plant‑based meat alternative, or simply double the vegetables and rice. You may want to use a veggie broth version of the condensed soup or a dairy‑free cheese if needed.

What size casserole dish should I use?

A standard 9×13‑inch baking dish works well for this amount, but you can use an 8×8‑inch dish if you’d like a thicker casserole. If you go smaller, you may need to adjust the bake time slightly (it might take a bit longer for the center to heat through).

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, you can. If the vegetables are fresh, you may want to lightly steam or sauté them first to ensure they’re tender enough after baking.

What’s the best way to ensure the rice doesn’t turn mushy?

Use rice that’s cooked and cooled slightly so it’s not overly soft. Leftover rice works great. If freshly cooked, make sure it’s drained and allowed to sit a bit so it’s not too moist before mixing into the casserole.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely. You can double all ingredients and bake in a larger dish. The bake time may increase slightly depending on depth, so keep an eye on it and bake until the cheese is bubbly and the center is hot.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

You’ll know it’s done when the cheese on top is melted, lightly golden, and bubbling, and the casserole is heated through in the center. Let it cool for a minute or two before serving so it sets.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a no‑fuss, crowd‑pleasing dinner that uses minimal ingredients but delivers maximum comfort, this easy 5‑ingredient casserole is exactly the recipe to keep on hand. Simple, satisfying, and versatile—you can adapt it to what you have in the pantry and still end up with something delicious. Try it tonight and let dinner take care of itself.