Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Name: Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup uncooked rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 1 cup chopped bell peppers; 1 cup chopped onions; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika

Highlighted under: Hearty Food

I absolutely love whipping up a hearty Ground Beef Rice Casserole, especially on chilly nights. It's a comforting dish that brings together the robust flavors of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables. The best part? I can prepare it quickly and let the oven do the work while I catch up on my favorite shows. Whenever I serve this casserole, it feels like a warm hug, satisfying everyone's hunger and filling the room with delicious aromas. It's become a family favorite that I love to share!

Created by

Philippa Grantley

Last updated on 2026-01-24T13:55:35.230Z

When I first stumbled upon this Ground Beef Rice Casserole recipe, I was immediately drawn to its simplicity and depth of flavors. I started experimenting with different seasonings and toppings, and I found that adding a layer of cheese on top creates a delightful golden crust. It’s not just about the taste; the aroma wafting through my kitchen as it bakes is simply divine.

Over time, I've adjusted the ingredients to accommodate what I have on hand, often tossing in leftover vegetables or grains. It's a forgiving recipe that allows for creativity, and I love that I can make it ahead of time and reheat it for busy weeknights. With just one dish, dinner becomes a breeze, leaving more time for family and relaxation.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying main dish that the whole family will enjoy
Versatile recipe that allows for ingredient swaps based on what you have
Easy to prepare in one dish for a hassle-free clean-up

Cooking Techniques

One of the keys to a delicious Ground Beef Rice Casserole is ensuring that your beef is cooked properly. Brown the ground beef over medium heat, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This allows the meat to develop a nice sear, enhancing the flavor of the dish significantly. If the beef begins to stick to the pan, consider adding a splash of beef broth to deglaze, which will incorporate those flavorful bits into the casserole.

When adding vegetables, keep an eye on the cooking time. Sautéing the onions and bell peppers for about 5 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant in color ensures they maintain some crunch and flavor. Overcooking can lead to mushy textures that won't hold up in the casserole. By doing this, you'll create a delightful contrast against the soft rice and tender beef.

Ingredient Insights

Choosing the right rice is crucial for achieving the best results in this casserole. Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, is ideal as it tends to remain fluffy rather than clump together during baking. If you prefer a quicker cooking option, instant rice can be substituted, but reduce the cooking time following the package instructions since it cooks faster than traditional rice.

For those looking to spice things up, consider using different types of cheese or adding hot sauce to the beef mixture. Pepper jack cheese can give your casserole a kick, while a sprinkle of cayenne or crushed red pepper in the beef will elevate the dish without overpowering it. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like corn or zucchini to enhance the nutritional profile.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 cup chopped bell peppers
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Sauté the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the onions, bell peppers, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 5 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with uncooked rice, beef broth, and tomatoes. Mix until well combined.

Transfer to Casserole Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, stir well, and sprinkle cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and hearty casserole!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try using different spices or adding some hot sauce to the beef mixture. This casserole also freezes well, so consider making a double batch to enjoy later.

Storing and Reheating

This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. Once baked and cooled, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you're considering longer storage, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and it can last for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating is simple. Just place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, cover it with foil to prevent over-browning and increase the time to around 45 minutes, checking for a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving this Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a breeze. Pair it with a fresh side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with warm, crusty bread for a comforting dinner experience. If you want to add a touch of gourmet flair, consider topping individual servings with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

For a dietary twist, consider substituting the ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian dish, replace the meat with black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth to enhance the flavor. You can also experiment by layering some fresh spinach or kale in between the ingredients for extra nutrients and a pop of color.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly add more liquid as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative! Frozen peas, corn, or zucchini can be excellent additions.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it the next day.

→ Is it necessary to cover the casserole while baking?

Covering it initially helps cook the rice evenly and retain moisture. Remove the cover towards the end for a golden topping.