Hearty Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe – Family Favorite

Comfort food takes center stage with this hearty ground beef rice casserole that promises to satisfy every hungry soul at the table.

The savory blend of tender ground beef and fluffy rice creates a mouthwatering harmony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more delicious with this simple yet impressive one-dish meal.

Packed with protein and bursting with rich seasonings, this casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction in every single bite.

Home cooks will love how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal prep work.

The combination of ingredients transforms an ordinary dinner into something truly spectacular.

Gather your appetite and get ready to enjoy a classic comfort dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Beef Rice Casserole Cozy

• Simplify your cooking with this ground beef rice casserole that combines all ingredients in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and making meal preparation a breeze.
• Packed with hearty ground beef, savory mushrooms, and gooey melted cheese, this dish delivers ultimate satisfaction for family dinners and potluck gatherings.
• Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible and adaptable to different dietary needs and flavor profiles.
• Balanced with protein from beef, carbohydrates from rice, and additional nutrients from vegetables, this casserole provides a complete and wholesome dining experience that keeps everyone full and happy.

Ingredients for Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that serves as the main protein for this comforting casserole.

• Onions, Garlic, Mushrooms: These vegetables provide depth of flavor and create a rich, savory base for the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk, Sour Cream: These ingredients combine to create a smooth, creamy texture that holds the casserole together.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.

• Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Basil, Garlic Powder: These spices enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Rice: The starchy base that absorbs the flavors and provides substance to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty topping that creates a golden, crispy layer.

• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and additional depth of flavor to the rice and meat mixture.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: Prevents the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.
• Foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking to prevent excessive drying.

Casserole Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and grab a baking dish.

Give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and get it sizzling hot.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Oregano
• Basil
• Garlic powder

Cook the beef until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it into small pieces as you go.

Scoop the beef onto a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, melt some butter and welcome the chopped onions.

Let them dance around until they’re soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Quickly add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds to release those incredible flavors.

Step 4: Mushroom Magic

Drop another pat of butter into the skillet and introduce the mushrooms.

Let them sizzle and release their rich juices, turning golden brown after about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Reunite the cooked beef with the mushrooms and onions.

Pour in beef broth and sprinkle uncooked rice.

Cover and let everything simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the rice to soak up all those delicious flavors.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Sour cream

Pour this luxurious mixture over the beef and rice, stirring to create a harmonious blend.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly and sprinkle half the cheddar cheese on top.

Step 8: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, letting the rice cook through perfectly.

Step 9: Cheese Finale

Remove the foil and shower the casserole with remaining cheese.

Return to the oven uncovered for 10 more minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Give your casserole a quick 5-minute breather.

This helps it set and makes serving a breeze.

Dig in and enjoy your comforting creation!

Rice Casserole Tips You’ll Want

• Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors and prevent soggy texture.
• Use uncooked rice and simmer with broth to ensure perfect texture and prevent overcooking.
• Sprinkle cheese in two layers for even distribution and golden, crispy top.
• Swap or add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and variety.
• Cover with foil during initial baking to keep casserole moist and prevent dry edges.

How to Store and Reheat Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Pack cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer casserole to a baking dish, add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese top.

Sides That Match Beef Rice Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the ground beef casserole, cutting through the creamy texture while enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole, providing a bright contrast to the creamy, savory main dish and adding nutritional variety to the meal.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a simple roasted vegetable side with zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, seasoned with herbs, to add color, nutrition, and a caramelized flavor that perfectly complements the casserole's richness.
• Complement with Craft Beer: Select an amber ale or brown ale with malty undertones that can stand up to the robust beef and creamy sauce, offering a smooth, slightly hoppy accompaniment that enhances the dish's deep, comforting flavors.

Ground Beef Rice Casserole Variants to Try

• Lean Protein Power: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat protein option that keeps the casserole's hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth to create a meat-free version that maintains the dish's rich, satisfying essence.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and ensure cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free certified, allowing people with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this comforting meal.
• Low-Carb Champion: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value while keeping the carbohydrate content minimal for those following ketogenic or low-carb diets.

FAQs

• Is ground beef the only meat option for this casserole?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage for different flavor profiles while maintaining the recipe’s core structure.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Use long-grain white rice and don’t overcook it during the initial stovetop simmering. The rice will continue cooking in the oven, so it should be slightly firm when you transfer it to the baking dish.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s an excellent option for batch cooking and quick weeknight meals.

Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef rice casserole merges comforting flavors from classic American kitchens with simple, satisfying ingredients. Cheesy layers and savory seasoning create a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Protein and Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (85% or 90% lean)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Base and Other Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter
• 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) onions (chopped, about 1 small)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh garlic (chopped fine)
• 2.5 cups (595 milliliters) beef broth
• 1.25 cups (300 milliliters) uncooked white rice (long grain)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) package sliced button mushrooms (or baby bellas)
• 10 ounces (283 grams) cream of mushroom soup substitute
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) medium cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Cooking spray or 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) oil to grease skillet

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and garlic powder. Break up the meat while cooking, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped onions until softened. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.
4. Introduce mushrooms to the skillet with additional butter, cooking until they release moisture and develop a rich brown color.
5. Reunite the cooked beef with mushrooms and onions in the skillet. Pour in beef broth, add uncooked rice, and simmer covered for 10 minutes to partially cook the rice.
6. Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream in a separate bowl to create a creamy sauce.
7. Blend the creamy mixture into the beef and rice, ensuring even distribution throughout the skillet.
8. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle half the cheddar cheese over the top.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, allowing the rice to cook thoroughly.
10. Uncover the casserole, add remaining cheese, and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps it set and makes portioning easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein option that keeps the dish’s hearty texture.
• Boost vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the sautéing stage to increase nutritional value and create more complex flavors.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients, though cooking time might need slight adjustment to ensure proper rice tenderness.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like cornstarch or gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg