Ground Beef Rice Casserole

Name: Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 2 cups cooked rice; 1 can cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Favorite Comfort Food Favorites

I absolutely love making this Ground Beef Rice Casserole for my family during busy weeknights. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients we often have on hand. What really makes this casserole stand out is the perfect balance of savory beef, fluffy rice, and a mix of vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. It’s a one-dish meal that not only satisfies but is also a great way to sneak in some veggies. Trust me, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Created by

Isobel Fairfax

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:49:34.526Z

When I first attempted making a Ground Beef Rice Casserole, I was surprised by how quickly it came together. I sautéed the beef with onions and mixed in some frozen vegetables I had in the freezer. It turned out to be a fantastic resource-saving recipe, and I realized how adaptable it is depending on what I have available.

I love that this dish is not just tasty, it's also filling and can feed a crowd. The key is to let it bake until everything is bubbling and the flavors meld together perfectly. It’s a dish that truly satisfies!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Hearty and satisfying with every bite
Perfectly seasoned, making it a crowd-pleaser
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The key to a successful Ground Beef Rice Casserole lies in the quality of your ingredients. Opt for 80/20 ground beef for an excellent balance of flavor and moisture, which helps to create a rich and savory base. For the rice, using long-grain white rice yields the fluffy texture that binds everything together. If you prefer a heartier option, you can substitute brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice requires longer to cook.

When it comes to the vegetables, feel free to use a mix that your family enjoys. Common options like peas, carrots, and corn work beautifully in this casserole; however, fresh vegetables can also be used for extra crunch. If you have leftovers from previous meals, don’t hesitate to toss them in to reduce waste and enhance flavors.

Techniques for Perfecting Your Casserole

For the best results, make sure to drain the excess fat after browning the beef; this helps to prevent a greasy casserole and ensures your dish has a pleasant consistency. After mixing all the ingredients in the bowl, look for a creamy texture that binds the rice and veggies together. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more beef broth to create that creamy sauce without making it soupy.

When transferring the mixture into the baking dish, level it out evenly to promote consistent baking. This allows every spoonful to cook uniformly and ensures no sections are overcooked or undercooked. I recommend using a spatula to smooth out the top, creating an even surface that also helps the cheese melt beautifully if you decide to add it.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cups cooked rice
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Brown the beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef, rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Transfer to baking dish

Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat. You can also top it with crushed crackers before baking for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef Rice Casserole is delightful when served with a side salad or garlic bread to balance the heartiness of the dish. A mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette complements the casserole well, providing freshness and contrasting textures. You might also consider topping individual portions with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

For a fun twist, consider serving it in a baked potato or even stuffing bell peppers with the mixture before baking. This is not only visually appealing but also allows guests to customize their servings as they desire.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of my favorite aspects of this casserole is its make-ahead potential. You can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely. This makes it a superb option for busy weeknights when time is limited.

If you have leftovers, store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the center is hot, usually about 20 minutes. You can also freeze portions for up to three months; just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used, but keep in mind that it may require a longer cooking time to ensure it's tender.

→ What other proteins can I use?

You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian protein like lentils to create a delicious alternative.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.