Ground Beef Rice Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners

Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. As I prepare this delightful casserole, I can’t help but reminisce about family gatherings where this hearty meal was a staple. Originating from the need for a simple yet filling dish, casseroles have been a beloved choice in many households for generations. The combination of savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is hard to resist.

People adore Ground Beef Rice Casserole not only for its delicious taste but also for its convenience. It’s a one-dish wonder that makes cleanup a breeze, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones. The rich, savory notes of the beef paired with the comforting rice make it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Join me as we dive into this recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is important to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

Mixing the Ingredients

1. In the same skillet with the cooked ground beef, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), the cream of mushroom soup, and the beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Next, add the uncooked rice to the mixture. This is where the magic happens, as the rice will absorb all the flavors while it cooks.
3. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Finally, fold in the frozen mixed vegetables. This adds a nice color and texture to the casserole, plus it’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition!

Assembling the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your casserole cooks evenly.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
4. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help trap steam and moisture, allowing the rice to cook properly.

Cooking the Casserole

1. Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
2. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Be cautious of the steam that will escape!
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.
4. Return the casserole to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving the Casserole

1. Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
2. Using a large spoon, scoop out portions of the casserole and serve it on plates. I love to garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
3. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Storage and Reheating

1. If you have leftovers (which

   Conclusion:

   In wrapping up this delightful journey through the Ground Beef Rice Casserole recipe, I can confidently say that this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to create a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it by adding your favorite spices, swapping in different vegetables, or even using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this casserole with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. You could also top it with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Ground Beef Rice Casserole a try. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings everyone together. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the love for this comforting dish and inspire others to enjoy it as much as we do! Happy cooking! Print

   Ground Beef Rice Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners

   

   Print Recipe

   This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, one-dish meal featuring savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and mixed vegetables, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, making it a family favorite!

   • Author: Dottie
   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 60 minutes
   • Total Time: 75 minutes
   • Yield: 6 servings 1x

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound ground beef
   • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
   • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
   • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
   • 1 cup beef broth
   • 1 medium onion, chopped
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1 teaspoon paprika
   • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
   • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
   • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
   • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

   Instructions

   1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
   2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
   3. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
   4. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
   5. In the same skillet with the cooked ground beef, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), the cream of mushroom soup, and the beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
   6. Next, add the uncooked rice to the mixture.
   7. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
   8. Finally, fold in the frozen mixed vegetables.
   9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   10. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
   11. Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
   12. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
   13. Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
   14. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish.
   15. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
   16. Return the casserole to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   17. Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
   18. Using a large spoon, scoop out portions of the casserole and serve it on plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

   Notes

   • This casserole can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices.
   • For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
   • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.