Description
This hearty Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—packed with savory beef, fluffy rice, melty cheese, and classic seasonings. It's perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or make-ahead freezer meals. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep!
Ingredients
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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1 cup uncooked white rice (or 3 cups cooked)
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1 small onion, diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 cup beef broth
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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If not using pre-cooked rice, cook 1 cup white rice according to package directions.
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and soft.
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Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, cooked rice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
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Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13" casserole dish. Spread evenly.
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Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
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Freezer Friendly: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
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Variations: Try adding green peppers, corn, black beans, or swap ground beef for ground turkey. Use plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: ground beef casserole, rice casserole, cheesy beef bake, weeknight dinner