This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the kind of hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s simple to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and packed with flavor. With tender rice, juicy ground beef, and melty cheese all baked together in a savory, seasoned sauce, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling and fuss-free. Bonus? It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters can’t resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Convenient: Everything cooks in one dish, making prep and cleanup a breeze.
Full of Comfort: It’s warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying — the definition of comfort food.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good, if not better, the next day!
Customizable: Easy to switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient makes this casserole irresistible:

Ground beef: Go for lean ground beef to keep the dish flavorful but not greasy.
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this casserole; it cooks evenly and soaks up all the flavors.
Onion: Adds depth and natural sweetness to balance the savory beef.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings that irresistible aromatic base — don’t skip it!
Beef broth: Essential for cooking the rice and infusing every bite with rich, savory flavor.
Tomato sauce: Brings moisture, acidity, and a touch of sweetness to round everything out.
Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, giving the dish that golden, bubbly, cheesy finish we all love.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a hint of umami and complexity to the beef mixture.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, and a dash of Italian seasoning help bring out every savory note.
Butter or oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic and start building flavor.

Variations

Want to mix it up? Here are some fun twists on the classic:

Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, corn, bell peppers, or chopped spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to give it some heat.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: A lighter alternative that still works wonderfully with the same seasonings.
Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for a different cheesy experience.
Creamy Option: Stir in a can of cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup for a richer texture.

How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then stir in the ground beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Season and Combine

To the cooked beef, add tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything well.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In the greased baking dish, combine the uncooked rice and beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth and give everything a gentle stir to distribute evenly.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese generously over the top, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow everything to set and cool slightly. Then dig in!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Check for Doneness: If your rice isn’t fully cooked, cover it back up and bake for an extra 5–10 minutes with a splash more broth.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties.
Resting Time Matters: Allowing the casserole to rest makes it easier to cut and serve without falling apart.
Double the Batch: This casserole freezes beautifully, so make extra and save time later in the week.

How to Serve

This casserole is a meal all by itself, but if you want to round it out, here are some tasty ideas:

Garnishes:

Top with chopped fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced green onions for a pop of freshness.

Side Dishes:

Pair it with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots for a balanced plate.

Bread:

Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every last bite of the savory sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well! Just portion it into individual containers or wrap the entire dish tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave in 1-2 minute bursts until hot, or warm in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use cooked rice instead of raw?
Yes, if you’re using cooked rice, reduce the broth to about 1 cup and bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice.

What type of rice is best for this casserole?
Long-grain white rice works best because it cooks evenly and soaks up all the flavors. Avoid instant rice as it tends to get mushy.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely. Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The dish will still be rich and flavorful thanks to the beef and seasonings.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Make sure it’s tightly covered with foil during the first part of baking. This traps steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly and stays moist.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is pure comfort food made easy. It’s the kind of no-fuss recipe that you’ll turn to again and again — simple, adaptable, and always satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers that reheat like a dream, this dish delivers every time. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!

Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe