Quick Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a warm, cozy, all-in-one meal made with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a rich, cheesy finish. It’s simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling that the whole family will love.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. -
Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess grease. -
Season
Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. -
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer beef mixture to the baking dish. Stir in uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef broth until well combined. -
Bake
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. -
Add Cheese
Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly on top, and return to oven uncovered for 10 minutes, until melted and bubbly. -
Rest & Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Benefits
- One-Dish Meal: Protein, carbs, and comfort in one pan
- Family-Friendly: Mild, cheesy, and filling
- Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry ingredients
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day
Additional Notes
- Keep the dish tightly covered while baking so the rice cooks properly.
- If rice isn’t tender, add ¼ cup broth and bake 5–10 minutes longer.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein: ✔️
- Gluten-Free: ✔️
- Low-Carb: ❌
- Keto-Friendly: ❌
Brief Introduction
This casserole is the definition of classic comfort food. It’s warm, cheesy, filling, and incredibly easy to throw together — the kind of recipe you’ll make on repeat when everyone’s hungry and time is short.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Brown beef and onions
- Mix with rice, tomatoes, and broth
- Bake covered until rice is tender
- Top with cheese and finish baking
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Lean or regular both work
- Rice: Long-grain white rice cooks best
- Cheddar Cheese: Can swap with Colby-Jack or mozzarella
- Beef Broth: Chicken broth works in a pinch
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Variations:
- Add corn or peas for veggies
- Use taco seasoning for Tex-Mex flavor
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey
Serve With:
- Simple green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Garlic bread
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
- Freeze: Up to 2 months
- Reheat: Oven or microwave until heated through
FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase broth to 1½ cups and bake longer.
Why is my rice undercooked?
The casserole wasn’t covered tightly or needed more liquid.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Optional Personal Story
This is one of those meals that always brings everyone to the table fast. It’s simple, comforting, and disappears every single time I make it.
