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Best Beef with Rice Casserole

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

This hearty Beef with Rice Casserole is the kind of cozy, family-friendly dinner that never goes out of style. Tender seasoned beef, fluffy rice, colorful bell peppers, and melty cheddar all bake together in one pan for an easy, satisfying meal. It’s simple to prep, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back Sunday suppers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice (long-grain works best)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is softened and translucent.
  4. Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes to slightly soften them.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, uncooked white rice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer so the rice cooks evenly.
  7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Carefully remove the foil, stir the casserole to redistribute the rice and liquid, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the rice is tender, most of the liquid is absorbed, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Notes

  • Use long-grain white rice for the best texture; shorter grains can become softer and stickier.
  • If using regular (not low-sodium) broth, reduce added salt and adjust at the end.
  • Every oven is different—check the rice for doneness at about 35–40 minutes of total bake time.
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it firm up and makes it easier to scoop.
  • You can prep the veggie and beef mixture earlier in the day, then bake right before dinner.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g (approx.)
  • Sodium: 520 mg (approx., using low-sodium broth)
  • Fat: 16 g (approx.)
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g (approx.)
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g (approx.)
  • Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g (approx.)
  • Fiber: 2 g (approx.)
  • Protein: 20 g (approx.)
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg (approx.)

Keywords: beef and rice casserole, ground beef casserole, one pan dinner, cheesy beef rice bake, easy family dinner

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Find it online: https://averyrecipes.com/best-beef-with-rice-casserole/