Description
This hearty Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is cozy, budget-friendly comfort food the whole family will love. Tender rice, seasoned beef, and melty cheddar bake together in one pan for an easy weeknight win. It’s simple to prep, satisfying to eat, and perfect for make-ahead or leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until onion is translucent.
- Stir in rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), mixed vegetables, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer about 15 minutes, until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar evenly on top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Short-grain or jasmine can turn softer; adjust liquid as needed.
- If using brown rice, add 1/2 cup extra broth and extend the covered simmer by 10–15 minutes before baking.
- For leaner results, use 90–93% lean beef or swap half the beef with turkey.
- Taste and adjust salt after simmering broth saltiness varies.
- Make-ahead: assemble up to 24 hours in advance; cover and refrigerate. Bake covered for the first 10 minutes, then uncover to melt cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: ground beef casserole, beef and rice, cheesy casserole, weeknight dinner, one-pan, family meal, oven-baked