Craving something hearty, cheesy, and satisfying after a long day? This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is your answer. Packed with flavorful beef, tender rice, melty cheese, and comforting spices, it’s the perfect one-pan meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is both comforting and convenient, ready in under an hour.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean preferred)

• 1 cup uncooked white rice (or 3 cups cooked rice)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 cup beef broth (or water + bouillon cube)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the rice according to package instructions if it’s not already pre-cooked.

3. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.

4. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

5. Add the rest of the ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and cooked rice. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

6. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13” casserole dish and spread evenly.

7. Top and bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover with foil, and bake for 15–20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

8. Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 450

• Total Fat: 24g

• Saturated Fat: 11g

• Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 75mg

• Sodium: 620mg

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 5g

• Protein: 22g

A Hearty, One-Pan Meal for Busy Weeknights

One of the best aspects of this Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is its convenience. It’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious creation. The combination of lean ground beef and rice makes it incredibly filling and a great way to stretch your ingredients to feed a crowd. The recipe is designed to be quick and efficient, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. And because it comes together in under an hour, it’s a go-to dish for families looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without a long wait.

The Perfect Blend of Spices and Aromatics

At the heart of this casserole lies a combination of aromatic vegetables, including onions and garlic, which add depth and complexity to the dish. When sautéed together, these ingredients bring out rich, savory flavors that form the base of the casserole. The spices—paprika and Italian seasoning—add just the right amount of warmth and seasoning, complementing the beef and rice perfectly. The diced tomatoes provide a slight tang, balancing out the richness of the beef and cheese. These ingredients work in harmony to create a dish that is full of flavor without being overly complex or difficult to prepare.

Cheddar Cheese: The Star Topping

What would a casserole be without cheese? The final touch of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole is what makes this dish truly comforting. As it bakes in the oven, the cheese melts into the layers below, creating a bubbly, golden crust that adds richness and texture. The cheddar cheese also enhances the savory flavors of the ground beef and rice, making every bite even more indulgent. Whether you prefer mild or sharp cheddar, this cheese topping ensures that the casserole is as satisfying as it is delicious. It’s the finishing touch that turns a simple dinner into something special.

Customizable for Every Taste and Dietary Need

Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is highly versatile and can be tailored to fit your personal tastes or dietary needs. If you’re looking to make the dish lighter, you can swap out the ground beef for leaner proteins, such as ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the beef with plant-based protein like lentils or a meat alternative. You can also customize the vegetables, adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor. Additionally, the type of cheese can be adjusted to suit your preference—cheddar is the classic choice, but mozzarella or a blend of cheeses can be used for a different twist. The ability to personalize the casserole ensures that it can fit a variety of dietary preferences, from meat lovers to vegetarians.

A Balanced Meal in One Dish

One of the appealing aspects of Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is how well-rounded it is. The ground beef offers a hearty dose of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. The rice serves as a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy and helping to balance out the richness of the beef. The addition of diced tomatoes and any extra vegetables you choose to include gives the dish a boost of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. With the creamy cheese topping, the dish is indulgent yet balanced, ensuring that you’re getting a comforting meal that still provides nutritional value.

Meal Prep Made Easy

In addition to being a great weeknight dinner, Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is also an excellent meal prep option. It can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days, allowing you to enjoy it as leftovers throughout the week. It reheats well in the microwave or oven, making it a convenient lunch or dinner option for those with busy schedules. The casserole is also freezer-friendly, so you can prepare it in bulk and store individual portions for future meals. This makes it an ideal dish for anyone looking to simplify their meal planning and ensure they always have a comforting, satisfying option on hand.

A Dish That Appeals to Everyone

Whether you’re cooking for a large family, hosting a casual dinner party, or simply looking for a dish that will appeal to all age groups, Ground Beef and Rice Casserole fits the bill. The familiar flavors of beef, rice, and cheese are universally loved, making it a dish that’s perfect for satisfying a crowd. It’s comforting without being overly heavy, and its simple ingredients make it accessible for even the most novice home cooks. Plus, the fact that it’s a one-pan dish means that preparation and cleanup are a breeze, which is always a bonus when feeding a group.

Nutritional Considerations

Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty dish that provides a satisfying balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. With 450 calories per serving, it’s a reasonably portioned meal that can fuel you through the evening without leaving you feeling overly stuffed. Each serving provides 22 grams of protein, which is great for muscle recovery and overall health. The rice offers 35 grams of carbohydrates, which help to replenish energy stores, while the cheese provides healthy fats. For those who are watching their sodium intake, it’s easy to adjust the salt levels, and using low-sodium beef broth can reduce the overall sodium content. Additionally, this dish can be made even healthier by incorporating extra vegetables or using leaner meats, which can further boost its nutritional profile.

Easy to Make for Any Occasion

The simplicity and versatility of Ground Beef and Rice Casserole make it perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a busy weeknight, need to feed a large group, or are simply craving something comforting, this dish will deliver. It doesn’t require any special ingredients or equipment, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The casserole is also easily adaptable to fit different tastes, allowing you to modify it to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. And because it’s so filling, you’ll find that a little goes a long way, making it an economical option for families or anyone looking to stretch their food budget.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a truly comforting and satisfying meal that combines the best of simple ingredients into one flavorful dish. The balance of tender rice, savory beef, melty cheese, and aromatic spices makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal addition to any busy household’s meal plan. Whether you’re cooking for a family, preparing for the week ahead, or just looking for a hearty dinner, Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a recipe that will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.