Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Dice your onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and shred your cheeses if using block cheese. Having everything ready before you start cooking will make the process of creating this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with your wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned with no pink remaining. As it cooks, break up any large chunks to ensure even cooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper during this stage.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Vegetables Drain most of the excess fat from the beef, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Add Rice and Seasonings Stir the uncooked rice into the beef and vegetable mixture, coating the grains with the flavorful fat and juices. Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir everything together for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly and the spices to become aromatic. This step builds deeper flavor in your cheesy ground beef and rice casserole.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, cream of mushroom soup, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything thoroughly to combine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as these add tremendous flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish Carefully pour the entire mixture from your skillet into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with your spoon, ensuring the rice is distributed uniformly throughout. The liquid should just barely cover the rice—if it seems dry, add an additional ½ cup of beef broth.

Step 7: Cover and Bake Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial for ensuring the rice cooks properly and absorbs all the flavorful liquid. Place the covered dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid when you check it.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully remove the foil—watch out for the steam. The rice should be tender when you test it with a fork. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the entire surface, followed by the mozzarella, and finally the Parmesan cheese. This tri-cheese blend creates the signature cheesy topping that makes this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole so irresistible.

Step 9: Final Bake Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden brown in spots. For an extra golden top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 10: Rest and Serve Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the dish to set slightly, making it easier to serve and ensuring the cheese doesn't run everywhere when you cut into it. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired, and serve your cheesy ground beef and rice casserole hot with your favorite sides.