Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Name: Ground Beef And Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup uncooked rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort on a Plate

I love making Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for my family during busy weeknights. It’s a comforting, one-dish meal that combines hearty ground beef with fluffy rice and flavorful vegetables. I appreciate how the ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a warm and satisfying dinner that everyone enjoys. Plus, it’s so versatile that I can easily customize it with whatever veggies I have on hand. This casserole always seems to be a hit, making it a go-to recipe in my household.

Created by

Brianna Tate

Last updated on 2026-02-27T16:29:35.006Z

When I first tried making this Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, I was amazed by how effortlessly everything came together in one baking dish. The blend of spices and the savory ground beef truly elevates the dish, while the rice absorbs all the flavors beautifully. I remember experimenting with different vegetable combinations, and finding that bell peppers and peas add a delightful sweetness that rounds out the meal.

Over time, I’ve found that allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving enhances the texture, letting the flavors meld perfectly. I also suggest topping it with shredded cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness. This recipe has quickly become a beloved staple in my kitchen, perfect for when I want something hearty yet easy!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Hearty flavors that warm the soul
One-dish convenience makes cleanup a breeze
Versatile options for different dietary needs

Ingredient Insights

The choice of ground beef in this casserole not only adds rich flavor but also a satisfying texture. I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and fat, which helps keep the meat moist during cooking. If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes, but be aware that they may require additional seasoning to achieve the same depth of flavor.

Rice serves as the backbone of this casserole, absorbing the savory broth and blending with the other ingredients. I recommend using long-grain white rice for a light texture. If you want to spice things up, consider using brown rice, but you'll need to increase the beef broth to 2.5 cups and adjust the baking time to about 45 minutes to ensure it cooks thoroughly.

Baking and Serving Tips

For optimal baking, ensure your casserole dish is well-greased to prevent sticking, and cover it with foil for the first 30 minutes. This traps steam, which helps cook the rice evenly and keeps the dish moist. Remember to remove the foil later; this step promotes browning and allows the cheese to melt beautifully, creating an appetizing golden crust.

When ready to serve, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to scoop. I often pair it with a simple side salad or crusty bread to complement the hearty nature of the dish, creating a satisfying meal that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Prepare the meat mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.

Combine ingredients

Add the rice, beef broth, diced bell peppers, peas, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Bake the casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

Add cheese and serve

After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top if desired, and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, feel free to include your favorite seasonings or herbs. You can also substitute the ground beef with turkey or a plant-based protein for a lighter option.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Options

This casserole is an excellent make-ahead option! You can prepare it up to a day in advance by assembling all the ingredients in the baking dish, then covering tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating. Just be sure to remove the wrap before baking, and consider increasing the initial baking time by 5–10 minutes since the ingredients will be cold.

If you're looking to meal prep or store leftovers, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or transferring to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months. For reheating, bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, adding additional time if needed. This makes weeknight dinners so much easier!

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices! Adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn can elevate the flavors and add extra nutrition. If you're a fan of spice, consider incorporating jalapeños or using a spicy cheese. Mixing in some taco seasoning can also give the casserole a zesty twist that transforms it into a taco-inspired dish.

For a vegetarian twist, substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans. Increase the broth slightly and add more spices to enhance the flavors. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain the dish’s heartiness without the meat, while still providing a comforting, satisfying meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you may need to increase the cooking time and the amount of liquid used.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything the night before, cover, and store in the refrigerator. Bake when ready to serve.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add corn, zucchini, or even spinach to sneak in more veggies!