Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a simple, hearty dish that warms you up with every bite. It’s packed with tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a blend of flavors that come together in a cheesy, comforting bake. The texture is just right—soft rice, meaty filling, and a slightly crispy top that makes it feel like a homey hug on your plate.
I love making this casserole on busy weeknights because it’s straightforward and comes together quickly. One of my favorite tricks is to add a little extra cheese on top so it gets golden and bubbly in the oven—makes it extra tasty and hard to resist. Plus, everything cooks in one dish, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
Serving this casserole with a fresh side salad or some steamed veggies helps balance out the meal, but honestly, it stands on its own perfectly. Whenever I make it, it’s a crowd-pleaser, and I find myself thinking about it all day. It’s one of those recipes that feels familiar and satisfying every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish, adding rich flavor and protein. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work well too.
Rice: White rice cooks up fluffy and tender here. You can try brown rice, but it needs more cooking time and liquid, so adjust accordingly.
Tomato Soup or Diced Tomatoes: The soup adds creaminess and a subtle tang. If you don’t have canned soup, a mix of tomato sauce and a little cream works great.
Cheddar Cheese: Gives that melty, golden top everyone loves. You could swap for mozzarella or a Mexican blend for a different flavor.
Seasonings (Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika): These spices add warmth and a bit of earthiness. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste or use a pre-made taco seasoning blend.
How Do You Get the Best Texture from the Rice in a Casserole?
Getting tender, well-cooked rice in a casserole can be tricky because it cooks in the oven. Here’s how I ensure it turns out just right:
- Use uncooked rice for a fresh texture; pre-cooked rice can get mushy.
- Simmer the rice with the beef broth on the stove for a few minutes before baking. This jumpstarts the cooking so it won’t be underdone later.
- Cover tightly with foil while baking to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
- Don’t rush the bake time—give the rice enough time to fully absorb the liquid and soften.
Following these tips, your rice will come out moist but not soggy, blending perfectly with the beef and veggies for a satisfying dish.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I use this for cooking the beef and veggies; it’s easy to transfer everything to the baking dish later.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – Perfect size for even cooking and easy to serve from.
- Aluminum foil – Helps keep the casserole moist while baking, and makes cleanup easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Keeps everything precise, especially for the rice and spices.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – For stirring the ingredients during cooking and assembling the casserole.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Proteins: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or add cooked sausage crumbles for extra flavor.
- Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different melt and taste.
- Veggies: Mix in chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or black beans to boost flavor and nutrients.
- Spices & Sauces: Add a dash of hot sauce, chili flakes, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to spice things up or deepen the flavor.
Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 3/4 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup or diced tomatoes, drained
Seasonings & Toppings:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and cook on the stove, then about 40-50 minutes baking time in the oven. Including resting time after baking, plan for roughly 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Vegetables and Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it off.
3. Season and Combine Ingredients
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly with the spices. Add the uncooked rice, frozen corn, beef broth, and the tomato soup or diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 5 minutes, allowing the rice to begin softening and the liquid to thicken slightly.
4. Bake the Casserole
Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in while baking. Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and golden.
6. Rest and Serve
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to settle. Garnish with fresh sliced green onions before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Enjoy this delicious, cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole as a warm and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or easy weeknight comfort food!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will need a longer cooking time and more liquid. I recommend pre-cooking the brown rice partially before adding it to the casserole for best results.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to mix in extras like chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or black beans to boost flavor and nutrition. Just sauté firm vegetables first to soften them before mixing.