This hearty Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. It’s cozy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to throw together with pantry staples. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender rice, savory vegetables, and gooey melted cheese come together in one baking dish for a meal the whole family will request on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You’re working with basic ingredients, but they come together in the most flavorful way.
Minimal Prep: This casserole requires very little hands-on time—just cook the beef, stir everything together, and bake.
One Dish Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash makes this a practical and welcome choice after a long day.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It stores beautifully and even tastes better the next day, making it a dream for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this casserole so delicious and easy to assemble:

Ground Beef: The star of the show—choose lean beef to cut back on excess grease, or go richer with 80/20 for extra flavor.
White or Brown Rice: Uncooked rice soaks up all the flavors while baking. Long-grain white rice cooks up tender and fluffy, while brown rice adds nuttiness (just increase bake time slightly).
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build a strong flavor base and add depth.
Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch—any color works!
Tomato Sauce: Binds everything together with a savory, slightly tangy richness.
Beef Broth: Keeps the rice moist and infuses everything with deep flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Melty, golden, and just the right amount of indulgent. Sharp cheddar gives the best punch of flavor.
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, paprika, and a hint of Italian seasoning give this dish the perfect balance of savory and warm.

Variations

This dish is super adaptable. Here are a few ideas to change it up:

Mexican-Inspired: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add a can of green chilies or a sprinkle of cumin, and top with pepper jack cheese.
Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or frozen peas all mix in beautifully.
Spicy Version: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
Different Proteins: Try ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. Even plant-based ground meat works great.

How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or directly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked beef mixture, uncooked rice, tomato sauce, beef broth, and seasonings. Stir well to ensure even distribution.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 55–60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Make sure the baking dish is large enough so everything cooks evenly and the rice has space to expand.
Check for Doneness: If the rice isn’t quite cooked after 60 minutes, re-cover the dish and bake for another 5–10 minutes with a splash of broth.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and has superior flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Double the Recipe: This is freezer-friendly, so make two and freeze one for a no-effort dinner later.

How to Serve

This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a full meal on its own, but here are some delicious pairing ideas:

Garnishes:

Top with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a few dashes of hot sauce also add a great finishing touch.

Sides:

Serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any saucy bits.

Meal Style:

Scoop into bowls for a cozy dinner, or portion into containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop and it reheats beautifully.

Freezing

Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven, covered, until hot throughout. Add a splash of broth if it looks dry.

FAQs

Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?
Yes, if using cooked rice, reduce the amount of broth and cut baking time by about half. Just make sure the mixture isn’t too dry going into the oven.

How can I make this casserole more kid-friendly?
Use mild seasonings, skip the onions if your kids aren’t fans, and go a little heavier on the cheese to keep things extra gooey and comforting.

What’s the best way to prevent the rice from being undercooked?
Make sure the dish is tightly covered with foil during baking, and use enough liquid. Letting it rest after baking also helps the rice finish steaming to perfection.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use plant-based ground beef or swap in cooked lentils or black beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is everything a weeknight dinner should be—simple, hearty, comforting, and incredibly tasty. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals ahead of time, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and enjoy every warm, cheesy, flavor-packed bite!

Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe