Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: A Cozy Favorite
Ground beef and rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food. When I think of cozy nights at home, this dish always pops into my mind. There’s just something so satisfying about the rich flavors of beef combined with hearty rice and creamy sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights, plus, it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to whip up this delicious casserole that will have your family begging for seconds!
What Is Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?
Ground beef and rice casserole is a delightful and filling dish that typically combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce, all baked together to perfection. The beauty of this recipe is how you can tweak it to fit your taste or whatever you have on hand. You’re left with a golden, bubbly casserole that’s perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying meal without too much fuss.
Ingredients Overview for Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating this mouthwatering dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: The star of the show! You can use lean, medium, or even ground turkey if you want a lighter version.
- Rice: I prefer long-grain white rice, but brown rice or even quinoa can be swapped in. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Onion: A medium onion, finely chopped, brings a sweet flavor.
- Bell Pepper: I love adding diced bell pepper for a pop of color and crunch; green, red, or yellow works great!
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: For a creamy texture and flavor. You can substitute with cream of chicken or make a homemade version if you prefer.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese adds a wonderful layer of flavor. Feel free to mix in other types like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick.
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of this amplifies the flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make your casserole from start to finish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the veggies: Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook them until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the rice, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is coated.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly.
- Top it off: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the cozy goodness!
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience with a side salad or crusty bread. If you want to add a bit more crunch, a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette pairs beautifully. I also love serving it with some pickled jalapeños on the side if I’m in the mood for a little heat.
Tips For The Perfect Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Don’t skip the browning: Always brown your ground beef well for that rich flavor.
- Choose your rice wisely: Stick to long-grain for the best texture distribution.
- Cheese choices: Experiment with different cheeses. A mix can create a beautiful flavor profile.
- Add veggies: Incorporate peas, corn, or even diced zucchini to sneak in some extra health benefits.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and keep it in the fridge before baking.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I use leftover rice?
A: Absolutely! Leftover rice is a fantastic time-saver. Just reduce the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q: How do I store leftover casserole?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for about 3-4 days.
Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Yes! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. When ready, just thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the beef with black beans, lentils, or a meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of cream soup.
Why You’ll Love It
Ground beef and rice casserole is comfort food at its finest. The familiar flavors warm the heart and fill the stomach, making it a staple for family dinners. Plus, it’s straightforward and downright satisfying—everyone can enjoy this simple dish, especially during those chilly nights when you just want something cozy and filling.
My Journey to Creating This Recipe
Let’s be real—I’ve definitely had some ups and downs creating this casserole. The first few attempts turned out a bit too dry, which was disappointing. I played around with adding more liquid and trying out different toppings until I landed on the perfect combination. Now I can whip it up without even thinking, and it has become a favorite in my house!
So there you have it—the perfect ground beef and rice casserole! Whether you’re trying it for the first time or just looking for a reliable recipe to keep in your back pocket, this one has got you covered. Enjoy crafting your cozy dish!
Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy favorite, this ground beef and rice casserole combines seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce, baked to perfection for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper in the skillet until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
You can make this casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Leftover rice works well, just reduce the baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg