- Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

$- 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups beef broth - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish The ingredients for this dish make it simple yet packed with flavor. You can adapt the recipe to fit what you have on hand. Ground beef is a staple and gives the casserole its rich taste. Rice acts as a hearty base, soaking up all the wonderful juices. Diced tomatoes add moisture and a bit of zest. Cream of mushroom soup ties everything together, making the dish creamy and comforting. Fresh onions and garlic bring a savory aroma to your kitchen. Spices like cumin and smoked paprika add warmth. They're key to making this meal special. With cheese on top, you get a delicious, golden crust. The peas are optional but add a nice pop of color and nutrition. This complete list of ingredients shows how easy it is to create a filling meal. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps to make this Ground Beef & Rice Casserole. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease the casserole dish with cooking spray or oil. - In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. - Break it apart while cooking. Drain the excess fat if needed. - Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion turns clear. - Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. - In a large bowl, mix uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with all juices), cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. - If you like peas, toss them in now. - Add the beef mixture to the bowl and stir well. - Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish. - Cover it with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. - After 45 minutes, take off the foil. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. - Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley. - For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make this casserole great, start by browning the beef evenly. This step builds flavor. Stir it often to break it apart. If you skip this, your beef may not taste its best. Next, don’t forget to season well. Use salt, pepper, and spices to add depth. You can taste as you go to find the right balance. Choosing the right rice is key. Long-grain rice works well in this dish. It cooks nicely and stays fluffy. Avoid overcooking the rice. If you cook it too long, it can become mushy. Follow the cooking times on the package for best results. For a tasty topping, use shredded cheddar cheese. It melts well and adds flavor. To get a bubbly top, sprinkle the cheese on just before the end of baking. Broil for a minute if you want extra crispiness. Keep an eye on it; cheese can burn quickly. For the full recipe, check out Savory Beef & Rice Delight. {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This change makes the dish leaner. It keeps the same great flavor but with less fat. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or black beans. They offer protein and taste without meat. To add more flavor, try different spices. A pinch of chili powder gives it a kick. You can also add Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a new twist. Don’t forget to mix in vegetables too. Chopped bell peppers, carrots, or spinach work well. They bring color and nutrients to the dish. If you want a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice. It lowers the carbs while still being filling. For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. You can also make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy it. For the full recipe, check out the Savory Beef & Rice Delight. Store your ground beef and rice casserole in the fridge. Use airtight containers for best results. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the casserole cools down before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Always place leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps your food safe to eat. You can freeze the casserole before cooking. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. This keeps it fresh for about three months. To cook from frozen, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 hours. If you have leftovers, let them cool first. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container and store for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, bake at 350°F until hot. In the fridge, the casserole lasts for about three to four days. It’s best to eat it within this time for the best taste and safety. To keep it fresh, ensure your fridge is set to 40°F (4°C) or below. If you notice any off smells or mold, throw it away. Enjoy it while it’s fresh for the best flavors! You can tell the casserole is done by checking a few signs: - The cheese on top should be melted and bubbly. - The rice should be tender and fully cooked. - The edges of the casserole will be lightly browned. - You can also use a fork to check the rice. If it’s soft, it’s ready. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Assemble the casserole, but do not bake it yet. - Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. - Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time. You can use brown rice, but it will change the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook. Here’s what to know: - Use a bit more beef broth for moisture. - Increase the baking time to about 60-75 minutes. - Check the rice for doneness. It should be soft and fluffy. Using brown rice gives a nice nutty flavor and adds more fiber. This recipe offers a simple way to enjoy a hearty casserole. We covered important ingredients and clear steps for cooking. I shared tips for perfect rice and cheesy toppings. We also explored variations to suit different diets. Lastly, I provided storage instructions to keep leftovers fresh. Try this dish tonight for a tasty meal!$

Savor the flavors of this Savory Beef & Rice Delight! This hearty casserole combines ground beef, rice, and diced tomatoes in a creamy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With easy steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in just an hour. Ready to impress your loved ones? Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to create this delightful dish!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups beef broth

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. If using, add the frozen peas as well.

Pour the beef mixture into the mixing bowl and stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once finished, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6