Easy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort in One Dish

Comfort emerges from a classic beef and rice casserole that promises warm, hearty flavors in every single bite.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions like this crowd-pleasing dish.

Home cooks love how quickly these ingredients come together with minimal preparation.

Rich ground beef melds perfectly with tender rice and savory seasonings.

Layers of melted cheese create a golden, bubbling top that makes mouths water instantly.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates that will keep everyone at the table happy.

This no-fuss meal stands ready to become your next family favorite.

Beef and Rice Casserole That Satisfies Every Time

• A Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole Adventure
• Minimal cooking skills required, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Creamy mushroom soup, sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese create a rich, satisfying taste that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• One-dish wonder that pleases picky eaters and provides a complete meal with protein, grains, and vegetables in a single comforting recipe.
• Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners when you want something simple yet impressive that feeds multiple people.

What Goes Into Beef and Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that forms the hearty base of the casserole.
• Beef Broth: Provides deep, savory flavor and helps cook the rice.

• Sour Cream, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Create a creamy, luxurious texture and enhance the overall richness of the dish.

• Onion, Mushrooms: Add depth of flavor and complement the beef with their earthy and aromatic qualities.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and subtle herb notes.

• Rice: Serves as the starchy base that absorbs the flavorful liquids.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal of the casserole from the dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps trap moisture during cooking and prevents excessive browning.

Tools for Easy Beef and Rice Casserole Prep

• Large skillet: Essential for browning beef and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Casserole dish: Key for baking and serving the complete meal.
• Aluminum foil: Crucial for covering the dish during initial baking and resting.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cheese grater: Optional, if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and parsley.
• Chef's knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.

Steps for a Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

Grab a casserole dish and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Brown The Beef And Onions

• Ground beef
• Chopped onions

Cook over medium-high heat, stirring and breaking up the beef until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Introduce The Rice

Sprinkle uncooked rice into the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the beef and onions so every grain gets coated with delicious flavor.

Step 4: Create The Creamy Mixture

• Beef broth
• Sliced mushrooms
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream

Mix everything until well combined.

Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese for an extra layer of yumminess.

Step 5: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 6: First Baking Phase

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 50 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and absorb all those incredible flavors.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top.

Return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes, tented with foil.

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in!

Top Tips for Beef and Rice Casserole

• Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled for maximum flavor and even texture throughout the casserole.
• Choose long-grain rice for better liquid absorption and prevent a mushy consistency in the final dish.
• Drain excess grease completely to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily or watery during baking.
• Let cheese melt naturally during the final uncovered baking stage for a perfect golden and bubbly topping.
• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, vibrant flavor and attractive green color to the casserole.

Beef and Rice Casserole Variations to Explore

• Turkey Transformation: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option that cuts down on fat while maintaining hearty flavor.
• Vegetarian Victory: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or black beans, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth to create a meat-free version that's equally satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Use cauliflower rice in place of traditional rice and ensure all canned soups are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Conversion: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the casserole's comforting essence intact.

Serving Suggestions for Beef and Rice Casserole

• Family Movie Night Pairing: Serve this hearty casserole during a cozy movie marathon with soft blankets and comfortable seating for a perfect comfort food experience.
• Green Salad Companion: Complement the rich casserole with a crisp mixed green salad topped with light vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy texture.
• Crusty Bread Side: Add warm garlic bread or crusty french bread on the side to soak up the delicious mushroom sauce and provide extra filling elements.
• Weekend Potluck Option: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to family gatherings or potluck events where it can easily feed multiple people and transport well in a covered dish.

Storing Beef and Rice Casserole Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in freezer wrap. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef works best for this casserole?

Lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content provides the best flavor and texture without making the dish too greasy.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

White rice is recommended because brown rice requires longer cooking time and might result in undercooked or mushy texture. If using brown rice, adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef and rice casserole delivers comfort on a plate with layers of savory ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese. Home cooks enjoy this simple, satisfying meal that brings warmth to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Primary Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Grains and Vegetables:

• 1 cup (200 grams) long-grain white rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup (150 grams) diced celery
• 4 ounces (113 grams) sliced mushrooms

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a casserole dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onions over medium-high heat, thoroughly draining excess fat.
3. Incorporate uncooked rice into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution.
4. Blend beef broth, mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream into the skillet, mixing thoroughly. Fold in half the cheddar cheese.
5. Transfer the rich mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid completely.
7. Uncover the casserole, sprinkle remaining cheese across the top, and return to oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling surface.
8. Allow the casserole to rest under foil for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that cuts down on saturated fat while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value, adding more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the dish.
• Incorporate extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutrient density and create a more balanced one-pan meal.
• If avoiding dairy, substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a creamy texture that accommodates lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg