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
