When you’re craving a cozy, filling meal that’s simple to put together, a Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is just the thing. It’s perfect for those weeknight dinners when you want something hearty without fussing over complicated steps. I love how this casserole combines ground beef, fragrant rice, and savory tomatoes into one comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy.
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In the Kitchen
This Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe has been one of my go-to dishes when I want something fuss-free yet full of flavor. It’s a no-fail crowd-pleaser that reheats beautifully and makes for easy leftovers throughout the week.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: Using ground beef browned with onions and peppers locks in flavor and moisture, ensuring your casserole is never dry.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: Adding cheese in the final baking stage creates a perfectly melted, toasty topping that brings all the elements together.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Common pantry staples like rice, canned tomatoes, and basic spices transform into a comforting meal with minimal effort.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Whether it’s a busy weekday or a laid-back weekend, this casserole fits any schedule and taste buds.
Ingredients at a Glance
When selecting ingredients for your Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe, fresh produce and good quality ground beef make all the difference. A little attention here sets a strong foundation for the flavors to shine.
- Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Onion and Bell Pepper: Fresh and firm, these add sweet aromatics and color.
- Long-Grain Rice: Keeps the texture separate and fluffy after baking.
- Beef Broth: Choose low-sodium if you want control over saltiness.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Undrained for extra moisture and a bright tomato punch.
- Shredded Cheese (optional): Sharp cheddar works wonderfully for that melty finish.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1 — Brown the Beef with Aromatics
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef along with chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook everything until the beef is nicely browned and the onions become translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy — this step also helps concentrate the meaty flavors you’ll love later on.
Step 2 — Combine Rice and Flavorings
Into the skillet with the browned beef mixture, stir in the uncooked long-grain rice, beef broth, and the entire can of diced tomatoes with all its juice. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the top. Give everything a good stir so the rice starts absorbing all those savory juices — this infusion is key to a perfectly tender casserole.
Step 3 — Bake Until Tender and Bubbling
Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, which helps cook the rice through. Pop it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 45 minutes. You'll notice the house fills with a warm, rich aroma that’s impossibly comforting.
Step 4 — Cheese It Up and Finish Baking
After those 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese on top if you’re using it. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown. This last step adds a luscious, melty texture that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5 — Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, give your casserole about 5 to 10 minutes to cool slightly before serving. This resting time helps it set just a bit and makes spooning out neat portions much easier. Trust me, the flavors will be even more inviting after a short pause.
Things to Remember
I’ve learned that a few small tweaks really boost the success of any Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. From how you know when it’s perfectly done to ways to prep ahead, these tips save you from common mishaps.
- Doneness Cue: Rice should be tender but not mushy; a fork should glide easily through.
- Temperature Trick: Keep your oven at 350°F for even cooking without drying out the beef.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate — just add a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Common Pitfall: Don’t skip draining the beef fat after browning; too much grease dulls the flavors and texture.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
I like to finish this Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or scallions for a burst of green and freshness. A dollop of sour cream on the side adds creaminess that balances the savory richness nicely. Don’t underestimate the simple power of a little garnish to elevate the home-cooked charm.
Plays Well With
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. The fresh, crunchy sides provide a great contrast to the warm and tender beef and rice combination. I also sometimes serve it alongside crusty bread to sop up every last bit of those tomato-infused juices.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For special occasions, try serving individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled briefly for a bubbly crust. Even a quick drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper right before plating makes a delightful difference. These little tweaks make your dinner feel thoughtful without adding work.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe in airtight containers to keep it fresh. It will last well for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. You’ll find it reheats nicely without losing the tender rice texture, especially if you add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist during reheating.
Freezing Tips
This casserole freezes really well, making it perfect for batch cooking. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it should keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture. Just note that cheese toppings reheat best fresh, so you might want to add those after defrosting.
Reheating Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat, the oven is your best friend — cover the casserole with foil and warm at 325°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in short bursts with a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist. I’ve also successfully revived leftovers in an air fryer at 320°F for around 10 minutes, which crisps up the edges delightfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but long-grain rice works best because it stays fluffy and separate when baked. Short-grain or sticky rice might become too mushy, so adjust liquid amounts and cooking time if you decide to experiment.
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn for added texture and nutrition. Just cook them lightly with the beef before transferring to the casserole dish to prevent excess moisture.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your beef broth and canned tomatoes don’t contain any gluten additives. Always check labels if you’re cooking for sensitive diets.
Check that the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. The casserole should be bubbling around the edges, and if using cheese, it should be melted and slightly golden on top.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it’s both reliable and versatile. Whether you're feeding a family, hosting friends, or just want an easy, comforting dinner, it really delivers on all fronts. Next time you want a hearty meal that feels homemade without hours of prep, this casserole is ready to help you shine.
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Beef and Rice Casserole perfect for a comforting family meal. Ground beef is combined with aromatic vegetables, spices, and rice, then baked in a rich tomato and beef broth mixture. Topped with melted cheese for an optional creamy finish.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and bell pepper over medium heat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and cook thoroughly.
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top if using, and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rice is tender.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to portion.
Notes
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer, substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the beef broth and seasonings are certified gluten free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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