Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Name: Ground Beef And Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup uncooked white rice; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup chopped bell peppers; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Highlighted under: Warm Comfort Table

I love making Ground Beef and Rice Casserole because it’s the ultimate comfort food that warms the heart and delights the taste buds. In just one pan, I can combine savory beef with tender rice and a medley of vegetables, all topped with a gooey layer of cheese. It’s a dish that not only fills the belly but brings everyone together at the table. Perfect for busy weeknights, its simplicity and satisfying flavor make it a dish I frequently return to, especially on chilly evenings.

Created by

Poppy Walsh

Last updated on 2026-03-05T08:22:53.519Z

When I first made Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, I was amazed at how easily everything came together. The ground beef cooked down beautifully, and the rice soaked up all the flavors from the seasonings and veggies. I learned that browning the beef first intensifies the overall taste, making each bite a savory delight.

This recipe has since become a family favorite. I love customizing it with whatever vegetables I have on hand, whether it’s bell peppers, peas, or even corn. It’s a versatile meal that can be adjusted to your liking while still giving you that hearty comfort.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
One-pan meal for easy clean-up
Hearty and filling, perfect for family dinners
Versatile: add any vegetables you love
Topped with melted cheese for extra flavor

Ingredient Insights

The ground beef is the heart of this casserole, providing a rich flavor and protein content. When cooking the beef, make sure to use a higher fat content for extra moisture and taste, typically an 80/20 blend works best. As it browns, you should hear a sizzle, and the beef should change from pink to a deep brown to ensure full flavor development.

The choice of rice is equally significant in this dish. Long-grain white rice is recommended for its ability to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the broth and vegetables. Avoid using quick-cooking rice, as it may become mushy in the baking process. If you're looking for a healthier option, brown rice can be used, but adjust the cooking time as it requires a longer cooking period.

Prep and Technique Tips

For convenience, prepare all your ingredients before starting the cooking process. Chop your vegetables and measure your rice and liquids. This makes the assembly quicker and helps you avoid forgetting any ingredient. Preparing ingredients in advance is a technique I find invaluable, especially during busy weeknights.

When combining the ingredients, ensure that all the components are well-mixed in the skillet before transferring them to the baking dish. This guarantees that the flavors meld together, and every bite is delicious. The mixture should look cohesive, with no dry spots from the rice or unevenly distributed vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
1 cup chopped bell peppers
1 cup frozen peas
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat and Sauté

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart until fully browned, around 5-7 minutes.

Mix Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, uncooked rice, bell peppers, peas, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with foil.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious casserole!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider stirring in some Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce into the meat mixture before baking.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent make-ahead option. When storing, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until it's heated through, or microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, checking often.

If you want to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in the oven until warmed through, or use the microwave for quicker results while being careful not to dry it out.

Variations and Additions

Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, corn, or even spinach can be great additions that enhance both flavor and nutrition. Just ensure that any added veggies are roughly chopped and roughly the same size for even cooking. Be cautious not to add too much water content, as this can make the casserole watery.

For those looking to cut back on carbs, you can substitute the rice with quinoa, which will alter the cooking slightly but provides a similar texture and nutrition profile. Quinoa typically requires a 2:1 ratio of liquid to grain, so adjust the beef broth accordingly if you decide to go this route.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth.

→ Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just cover it tightly, and when ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

It's great on its own but you can also serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.