This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines the savory richness of ground beef, the creaminess of mushroom soup, and the comforting texture of rice. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, it’s a warm, hearty meal that the entire family will love.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this casserole is as easy to make as it is delicious. You can also customize it with your favorite ingredients like mushrooms or different types of cheese. The creamy texture paired with the savory beef and rice makes it a go-to comfort food that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, and rice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the casserole is hot.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a staple in many households, offering a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This simple yet flavorful dish combines the richness of ground beef with the creamy texture of rice and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of cheddar cheese. Whether you’re feeding a large family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and easy to make.
A Classic Family Favorite
This casserole recipe is one that many people remember from their childhoods. It’s one of those dishes that immediately evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort. The simplicity of ground beef, rice, and cheese makes it an affordable, accessible, and satisfying option for those on a budget or with limited time to prepare meals. Ground Beef and Rice Casserole has earned its place as a family favorite because it’s filling, easy to customize, and requires only a few pantry ingredients.
The beauty of casseroles like this one lies in their versatility. You can adjust the recipe to suit your family’s preferences, whether it’s adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavor or experimenting with different seasonings to elevate the taste. The creamy texture from the soup combined with the tender ground beef creates a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy, from kids to adults.
Why This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the Best
This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple to make with just a handful of ingredients, yet it packs a lot of flavors. Here are a few key reasons why this casserole is a must-try:
- Time-Saving: This casserole can be prepared in about 15 minutes and cooked in 30 to 40 minutes. It’s perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a quick dinner solution after a long day.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein that can be stretched across several meals. Paired with rice and other basic pantry ingredients, this dish is both economical and filling, making it great for those on a budget.
- Customizable: One of the best aspects of this casserole is its flexibility. You can add your favorite vegetables or switch up the cheese to create a unique twist on the classic recipe. You can also swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or other variations to suit your tastes.
- Comforting and Hearty: There’s something inherently comforting about a casserole. The combination of the savory beef, soft rice, and gooey cheese makes for the ultimate comfort food. This dish will fill you up and provide that homey satisfaction that’s perfect for colder weather or when you’re craving a cozy meal.
- One-Pot Meal: This casserole can be cooked in just one dish, which means fewer pots to clean afterward. The convenience of one-pot meals makes them ideal for busy cooks who want to get dinner on the table without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Family-Friendly: This casserole is great for picky eaters. With the creamy and cheesy topping, children are more likely to enjoy it. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in vegetables if you choose to add them. It’s a dish that’s universally loved by people of all ages.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The leftovers from this casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it an ideal dish for meal prep. If you make a larger batch, you can freeze individual portions to enjoy later, which is perfect for those busy weeks when you don’t have time to cook.
Nutritional Benefits of Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is not just tasty; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall growth. It also provides important vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc, which support energy production and immune health.
Rice, particularly white rice, is a great source of carbohydrates that provide energy. While it’s not as rich in fiber as whole grains, it still plays an important role in providing quick fuel for the body. For a healthier twist, you can opt for brown rice or other whole grains, which would add extra fiber and nutrients to the dish.
Cheddar cheese, the main topping for this casserole, is high in calcium, an important mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also provides a good source of protein and healthy fats, making this casserole a well-rounded meal.
How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Your Own
As previously mentioned, this casserole recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate some veggies to boost the nutrition. Bell peppers, peas, carrots, corn, and spinach are great additions. They not only add color and texture but also provide additional vitamins and minerals.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier version of this dish, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken. These options will reduce the fat content while still providing protein.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika to the casserole. These spices will enhance the flavor and give the dish a little kick.
- Different Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is the go-to for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses to create a more complex flavor profile.
- Try a Different Soup: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can use a variety of other creamy soups, such as cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade cheese sauce.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s easy to make, filling, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner idea, meal prep solution, or a family-friendly dish to feed a crowd, this casserole ticks all the boxes. Plus, with its rich flavor and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Not only does this dish save you time in the kitchen, but it also makes your meals more enjoyable with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it to your family or bringing it to a potluck, Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is sure to impress.