Cheesy Ground Lamb Rice Casserole is one of those cozy dinners that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “When will it be ready?” It is warm, hearty, and full of flavor, but still simple enough for a busy weeknight. I love making this when the fog rolls in here in Carmel and we need something filling and comforting. If you have rice, ground lamb, and cheese, you are already halfway there. This is real food that brings everyone to the table.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This casserole checks all the boxes for a busy family dinner.

It is one of those ground lamb recipes easy enough for weeknights.
The rice and cheese make it hearty and filling.
You can prep it ahead and bake when ready.
It tastes even better the next day.

If you enjoy cozy baked meals, you might also love my easy dump and bake meatball casserole or this comforting creamy tuna casserole pasta for another simple family favorite.

Ingredients You Will Need

Ground lamb, the star of this dish, rich and full of flavor.
Cooked white rice, it makes the casserole filling and soft.
Onion and garlic, for a warm and savory base.
Diced tomatoes, they add moisture and a little brightness.
Italian seasoning, simple herbs that pair well with lamb dishes.
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, for that gooey cheesy top.
Olive oil, just a bit to cook the lamb and veggies.
Salt and black pepper, to bring everything together.

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add the ground lamb. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors blend.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice with the lamb mixture. Stir until well combined.
Spoon everything into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Top with shredded cheese. Be generous, this is the cheesy part.
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes scooping easier.

Here is how you can make this on a busy weeknight. Cook the rice the night before or use leftover rice from the fridge. You do not need fancy ingredients, just these basics. If you have 20 minutes, you can have this on the table.

Helpful Tips and Variations

Add chopped spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
Swap white rice for brown rice if you like a nuttier flavor.
For a Greek twist inspired by Greek lamb recipes, add a pinch of oregano and a little crumbled feta on top.
If you enjoy bold flavors, serve it with a spoonful of plain yogurt or a squeeze of lemon.
This also works well as one of your go to ground lamb recipes for dinner when you want something different from beef.

If you are exploring more lamb meals, my lamb pastelon with sweet plantains is a fun twist. And if you like a little heat, try this spicy hobo casserole for another hearty bake.

Serving and Storage

Serve this casserole warm with a simple green salad or roasted carrots on the side. It also pairs well with warm pita bread for scooping. This is one of those lamb dishes that feels complete all on its own.

Cheesy Ground Lamb Rice Casserole

Cheesy Ground Lamb Rice Casserole is a cozy, hearty dinner made with seasoned ground lamb, fluffy rice, and a generous layer of melted cheese. It is simple enough for busy weeknights but comforting enough to bring everyone to the table. Warm, filling, and full of flavor, this casserole is perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Resting Time 5

Total Time 45

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole, Dinner

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Lamb and Rice Base

1 lb ground lamb
3 cups cooked white rice
1 medium onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt or to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper

Cheese Topping

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Equipment

Large Skillet
Mixing Bowl
9×13 baking dish

Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add the ground lamb. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice with the lamb mixture. Stir until evenly mixed.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top generously with shredded cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the casserole set.

Notes

For a Greek-inspired variation, add 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, a pinch of cinnamon, and a sprinkle of feta cheese before baking. You can also mix in chopped spinach or zucchini for added vegetables. This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Is this one of the best ground lamb recipes easy for beginners?

Yes, it truly is. The steps are simple and clear. You brown the meat, mix it with rice, and bake. There are no tricky sauces or hard techniques. If you can cook rice and stir a skillet, you can make this. It is a great way to start cooking more lamb meals at home without feeling overwhelmed.

Can I use this for ground lamb recipes for dinner meal prep?

Absolutely. This casserole holds up very well in the fridge. You can bake it, let it cool, and portion it into containers. It reheats nicely and keeps its flavor. Many people look for easy lamb recipes that work for meal prep, and this one does the job beautifully.

What spices work best for Greek lamb recipes style flavor?

If you want that Greek inspired taste, try oregano, a pinch of cinnamon, and a little lemon zest. You can also add fresh parsley after baking. These simple touches bring bright flavor to the rich lamb. It is an easy way to turn this into one of your favorite lamb dishes with a Mediterranean feel.

Can I swap the rice for something else like in other lamb dishes?

Yes, you can. Cooked quinoa or small pasta shapes work well. Just make sure they are fully cooked before mixing with the lamb. The key is keeping the texture soft and scoopable. This recipe is flexible, which is why it is one of my favorite ground lamb recipes for dinner.

Final Thoughts from Ama

There is something special about pulling a bubbling casserole from the oven and setting it on the table. It does not have to be fancy to feel like love. Even if your cheese browns a little too much or the rice is not perfect, it will still taste wonderful. Cooking is about showing up and trying. And around here, that is always enough.