Get ready to meet your new weeknight hero! This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—a savory, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish that brings the whole family to the table. We’re skipping the canned soups to create a rich, from-scratch flavor using simple pantry staples. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers a hearty meal with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something wholesome and delicious without the fuss.
Why This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a Winner
This isn’t just another casserole recipe; it’s a game-changer for your dinner rotation. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: No mystery cans here! This recipe uses fresh, simple ingredients to create a rich, savory sauce you can feel good about.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The combination of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- One-Pan Magic: Everything comes together in a single skillet before a quick bake in the oven, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Perfectly Make-Ahead: Assemble it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or bringing to a potluck. For another great make-ahead option, try our Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole (coming soon).
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of common ingredients to create this incredible Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
- Ground Beef: We recommend an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and lean protein.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational layer of savory flavor.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Use uncooked long-grain white rice, as it cooks perfectly in the beef broth.
- Beef Broth: This is our substitute for canned soup, creating a much richer and more natural taste.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a fantastic depth and umami kick that elevates the dish.
- Spices: A simple mix of paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper is all you need.
- Sour Cream: The secret to a creamy, luscious texture that binds everything together.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-bagged and creates that irresistible cheesy pull.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create a flawless Ground Beef and Rice Casserole every time. It’s easier than you think!
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown the Beef: In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and continue to cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain off any excess grease.
- Build the Flavor: Stir in the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a low simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Make It Creamy: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the sour cream and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
- Bake to Perfection: If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden and melted.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Want to ensure your casserole is absolutely perfect? Here are a few expert tips.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best gooey, melted results, buy a block and shred it yourself.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: The rice will continue to cook in the oven, so it’s okay if it’s slightly al dente after simmering on the stovetop.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven is crucial. It gives the dish time to set, making it easier to serve.
- Feel Free to Add Veggies: This is a great recipe to clean out the fridge. Finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added with the onion for extra nutrition and flavor. Craving more veggie-packed comfort? Our Winter Vegetable Casserole is a must-try.
Fun Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely diced jalapeño with the garlic for some heat.
- Different Cheeses: Try a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar, or even add some Parmesan for a nutty flavor.
- Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle the top with crushed Ritz crackers or French’s fried onions during the last 5 minutes of baking. For a different but equally comforting dish, check out this amazing Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole.
- Tex-Mex Flavor: Swap the spices for a tablespoon of taco seasoning and add a can of drained corn and black beans. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole makes for fantastic leftovers. Here’s how to handle them properly:
- Storing: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Freezing: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover the baking dish tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you will need to simmer it for about 35-40 minutes and may need to add an extra 1/2 cup of beef broth to ensure it’s fully cooked.
The key is to not overcook the rice on the stovetop. It should be just tender and have absorbed most, but not all, of the liquid before you add the creamy elements and bake it. It will finish cooking to perfection in the oven.
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli or green beans, or a side of warm dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
Long-grain white rice is the best choice for this recipe. It holds its shape well and absorbs the liquid without becoming sticky or mushy. Avoid using instant or quick-cook rice, as it will overcook.
The Perfect Comfort Dinner
This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a dish. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or any time you need a dependable and delicious meal that everyone will love. We know this will become a staple in your home. If you make it, please leave a comment below and share your creation on Pinterest!
Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Ground Beef and Rice Casserole (The Ultimate Comfort Meal)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large, oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Drain off excess grease.
- Stir in the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the uncooked rice, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the sour cream and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish if your skillet is not oven-safe. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy.
Notes
Tip 2: Let the casserole rest before serving to allow it to set properly.
Tip 3: Feel free to add finely chopped veggies like carrots or bell peppers with the onions for extra nutrients.
