Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Highlighted under: Home Food
I absolutely love making Ground Beef Rice Casserole for my family on busy weeknights. It’s simple to prepare, yet comforting and filling, making it the perfect meal after a long day. The combination of savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and rich, tangy tomato sauce creates a harmony of flavors that everyone enjoys. I often find that this dish is a hit with my kids, and it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some vegetables by adding whatever I have on hand. It truly becomes a family favorite at the dinner table.
I remember the first time I made Ground Beef Rice Casserole; it was a chilly evening, and I was looking for something hearty to warm us up. As the beef sizzled in the pan, the aroma filled the kitchen, drawing everyone together. What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is— you can throw in any leftover veggies and customize the flavors to your liking. It’s a one-pot dish that makes cleanup a breeze which is essential for busy families.
After trying various recipes, I discovered that using a combination of beef broth and diced tomatoes elevates the taste significantly. The rice cooks perfectly, absorbing all the flavorful juices, resulting in a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the rich beef. Top it with some cheese for an extra layer of flavor, and you have a fantastic meal that’s bound to impress!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying, ideal for family dinners
- A one-pot dish means easy cleanup
- Customizable with seasonal vegetables
- Rich flavors that make leftovers delicious
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When assembling your Ground Beef Rice Casserole, the ingredients play a pivotal role in achieving the desired flavor and texture. For the ground beef, opting for a mix with a higher fat content (like 80/20) will enhance the richness of the dish. If you're looking for a healthier option, lean ground turkey or chicken can be substituted, although you may want to add a touch more olive oil to retain moisture.
Using long-grain rice or a quick-cooking variety works well in this recipe, as they absorb the flavors beautifully during baking. Ensure you use uncooked rice to achieve the right texture, as pre-cooked rice will become mushy. Additionally, adding vegetables like zucchini or spinach can elevate the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor; just sauté them briefly before adding to the mix to reduce excess moisture.
Perfecting Your Technique
The technique used in layering the casserole is crucial for ensuring even cooking and flavor distribution. After sautéing your onion and bell pepper, take care to break up the ground beef into small pieces while it cooks for better browning, which enhances flavor. Aim for a deep golden color on the beef, which indicates it has developed sugars, contributing to the overall savory profile of the dish.
When combining the ingredients, it’s important to let your mixture come to a gentle simmer before transferring it to the casserole dish. This allows the rice to partially absorb the liquid, which will help it cook evenly in the oven. Covering the dish with foil traps steam, aiding in cooking the rice while preventing the cheese from over-browning initially; just be sure to uncover it later for that delightful bubbly finish.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Rice Casserole Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's hot and ready for baking.
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Combine Ingredients
Stir in the garlic, diced tomatoes (with their juice), rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
Transfer to a Casserole Dish
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Pro Tips
- For a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. You can also substitute quinoa for the rice for a healthier option.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can make this casserole ahead of time, which is a real lifesaver for busy weeknights. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. Alternatively, you can freeze it before baking; just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Adding a splash of beef broth before reheating can help revive any lost moisture, ensuring every bite remains delicious.
Creative Variations
This Ground Beef Rice Casserole is highly versatile, making it easy to customize based on your family's preferences or what you have on hand. Try swapping the diced tomatoes with a can of diced green chilies for a spicy kick, or switch out the cheese for a creamier option like cream cheese or sour cream mixed in for added richness before baking.
Experimenting with different herbs can also give this dish a fresh twist; consider using fresh parsley or cilantro for added brightness. For a Tex-Mex version, adding black beans, corn, and taco seasoning can transform this casserole into a flavorful fiesta dish, appealing to a range of taste buds.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and add extra liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.
→ Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before freezing. You can bake it directly from frozen, but increase the baking time.
→ What other vegetables can I include?
You can add peas, corn, or even spinach for extra nutrition. Just chop them finely and sauté them with the onions.
→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Ground Beef Rice Casserole
I absolutely love making Ground Beef Rice Casserole for my family on busy weeknights. It’s simple to prepare, yet comforting and filling, making it the perfect meal after a long day. The combination of savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and rich, tangy tomato sauce creates a harmony of flavors that everyone enjoys. I often find that this dish is a hit with my kids, and it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some vegetables by adding whatever I have on hand. It truly becomes a family favorite at the dinner table.
Created by: Elin Matthews
Recipe Type: Home Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ground Beef Rice Casserole Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's hot and ready for baking.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the garlic, diced tomatoes (with their juice), rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Extra Tips
- For a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. You can also substitute quinoa for the rice for a healthier option.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 24g