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Best Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners

ground beef rice casserole - featured image

This ground beef rice casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with seasoned beef, fluffy rice, melty cheese, and a creamy sauce — perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, browned beef, sautéed veggies, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheese, seasonings, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
  5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the recipe with additional veggies or spices. Day-old rice works best for absorbing the sauce, and broiling the casserole for 2-3 minutes can create a golden cheesy crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef casserole, rice casserole, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, family-friendly recipe