Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. It’s hearty, delicious, and perfect for feeding a family. Packed with flavor and nutrition, this recipe combines ground beef, rice, and beans into a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare. What’s not to love?
How to Make Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the cheese is melted.
How to Serve Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven. It’s perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a simple salad or some fresh bread for a complete meal. Leftovers make for a quick lunch the next day!
How to Store Ground Beef Rice Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just be sure to use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly.
Tips to Make Ground Beef Rice Casserole
- Feel free to add more veggies such as bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or chili flakes.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this casserole.
Variation
For a vegetarian twist, consider using black beans instead of ground beef and add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a full vegetarian option.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you may need to increase the cooking time and the amount of broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What other types of cheese can I use?
You can use any cheese you like! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorites will work great.
Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the cheese is melted.
