When you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal, few dishes deliver as much satisfaction as a One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole brings together simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and transforms them into a hearty, family-friendly meal. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or simply meal prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile and reliable, with minimal cleanup required thanks to its one-pot preparation.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the ultimate One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, from the ingredients and preparation to tips, variations, and serving suggestions. If you’re ready to cook a dish that’s both practical and delicious, let’s dive in!
Ingredients for One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
A One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole requires basic ingredients that come together in the most comforting way. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- Ground beef: The base of this casserole, offering flavor and protein. Use lean ground beef (or ground turkey, if preferred) to keep things healthier.
- Long-grain white rice: The rice cooks directly in the casserole, absorbing all the rich flavors of the beef and seasonings.
- Onion: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the casserole.
- Bell peppers: Optional but highly recommended for color and texture. You can use red, green, yellow, or even orange bell peppers depending on your preference.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the savory taste of the beef and give the casserole a rich flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a flavorful base and adds moisture to the casserole.
- Beef broth: Helps the rice cook and adds more flavor. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute chicken broth or even vegetable broth.
- Cheese: A generous amount of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) to create a golden, bubbly top that everyone will love.
- Spices and seasonings: Salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning all contribute to the savory depth of flavor in this dish.
Optional Add-ins and Garnishes:
- Frozen peas or corn: Adds extra veggies without requiring additional prep.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley or basil makes a fresh garnish that contrasts beautifully with the rich casserole.
- Chopped green onions: These can be sprinkled on top just before serving to add some crunch and brightness.
This list of ingredients is adaptable, so feel free to customize based on your preferences. If you like more vegetables, toss in some chopped zucchini or carrots. For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or chili flakes.
Preparation Steps for One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and convenience. Follow these steps for a foolproof One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef Start by heating a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy casserole. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables In the same pan, add a bit of olive oil (if needed) and sauté the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook them for about 3–4 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent and the peppers begin to soften. The aroma of the sautéing vegetables will start to fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the rich, savory casserole.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the browned ground beef back into the pan. Stir everything together, then add the uncooked rice. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Next, pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, then stir in your seasonings—salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Rice Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the casserole simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the casserole seems too dry before the rice is cooked, add a little extra beef broth.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Final Cooking Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the pan again and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Remove the casserole from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Tips for Making the Perfect One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
While this recipe is simple, a few tips can ensure that your One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: The rice will continue to cook in the casserole, so make sure it’s not fully cooked when you cover it. Leave a little liquid for the rice to absorb.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a bit more heat, add chili powder or red pepper flakes.
- Layer Cheese: For a cheesy, crispy crust, sprinkle cheese in layers throughout the casserole, not just on top. This creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Variations of One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
One of the best things about this casserole recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes, dietary preferences, or what ingredients you have on hand.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and replace it with plant-based protein or extra veggies, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
- Mexican Style: Add a can of diced green chilies, swap the tomato sauce for salsa, and top with shredded Mexican cheese blend. Serve with sour cream and fresh cilantro.
- Spicy Casserole: For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce during the cooking process.
- Slow Cooker Version: If you want to make this casserole in a slow cooker, simply brown the ground beef first and then combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours, or high for 2-3 hours.
Serving Suggestions
This One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a few side dishes to round out your meal:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing will balance the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish for an added touch of indulgence.
- Roasted Vegetables: For an extra serving of veggies, try roasting some broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole! This recipe is not only delicious and satisfying but also incredibly easy to make and clean up after. With minimal effort, you can create a meal that’s full of flavor and guaranteed to please the entire family. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or making it for a special gathering, this casserole will become your go-to comfort food.
One-Pot Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Description
This one-pot ground beef and rice casserole is a savory, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with seasoned beef, rice, vegetables, and a creamy blend of flavors, this casserole is not only comforting but also easy to make and clean up after. Ready in under an hour, it's a family-friendly meal that is both budget-friendly and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Base:
For the Topping:
Instructions
Brown the Beef
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In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics
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Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Combine Rice and Vegetables
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Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, beef broth, frozen peas and carrots, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, ensuring everything is well combined.
Cook the Casserole
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Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (180°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and tender. Remove from the oven.
Add the Cheese
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve
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Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 677.68kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35.07g54%
- Saturated Fat 15.48g78%
- Trans Fat 1.33g
- Cholesterol 114.8mg39%
- Sodium 824.3mg35%
- Potassium 712.6mg21%
- Total Carbohydrate 52.26g18%
- Dietary Fiber 3.4g14%
- Sugars 4.82g
- Protein 36.34g73%
- Vitamin A 415.79 IU
- Vitamin C 10.34 mg
- Calcium 379.76 mg
- Iron 3.97 mg
- Vitamin D 0.32 IU
- Vitamin E 0.79 IU
- Vitamin K 22.96 mcg
- Thiamin 0.23 mg
- Riboflavin 0.47 mg
- Niacin 7.12 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.63 mg
- Folate 52.07 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2.84 mcg
- Phosphorus 495.3 mg
- Magnesium 72 mg
- Zinc 7.14 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a spicier version, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy diced tomatoes.
This dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
You can substitute the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn for more flavor and nutrition.
