Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: A Cozy Classic
Ah, the warmth of a bubbling casserole fresh out of the oven—it’s the kind of comforting meal that makes you feel right at home, isn’t it? As the weather turns crisp and leaves begin to dance with shades of amber and gold, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a creamy, cheesy casserole wafting through the kitchen. I can remember chilly evenings, gathered around the table with family, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying a hearty meal. This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a nostalgic throwback to those lovely times. It’s the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that brings everyone together, and trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in one bowl, making prep a breeze.
- Comforting & Filling: Hearty ground beef and fluffy rice in a creamy sauce make each bite a cozy delight.
- Family-Friendly: With its rich flavors and cheesy topping, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!
- Versatile: You can easily customize this casserole with different seasonings or toppings to suit your family’s taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Preassemble this dish in advance, and just pop it in the oven for a hassle-free dinner.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for the most delightful Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped onions, garlic powder, or your choice of other seasonings
How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a beautifully baked casserole ready to warm hearts and bellies.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, rice, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with shredded cheese, letting that cheesy goodness melt its way into the casserole.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. The anticipation builds, doesn’t it?
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Oh, that sounds like heaven!
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Try to resist the urge to dive in immediately (but I won’t judge if you do!).
Variations & Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative with your casserole! Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Zesty Tex-Mex Twist: Add black beans, corn, and jalapeños for a lively, spicy flair. Top with a dollop of sour cream for that added creaminess.
- Savory Mushroom Medley: Mix in sautéed mushrooms and onions for an earthy, hearty flavor. It adds a wonderful depth that complements the ground beef beautifully.
- Creamy Spinach & Cheese: Stir in fresh or frozen spinach before baking, then top with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a cheesy, verdant treat.
- Stir-In Surprise: Try adding chopped bell peppers or even shredded carrots for a nutritious boost and a pop of color.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: Feel free to prep the casserole up to a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate it before baking! You may need to extend the baking time slightly.
- Ingredient Swaps: Brown turkey or even lentils can be delightful substitutes for ground beef. And if you’re a fan of different soups, try cream of chicken or even a cheese soup for a rich twist!
- Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through for a quick meal.
Nutrition Information per Serving
For those mindful of nutrition, here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 420
- Carbs: 40g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 23g
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 600mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake when you’re ready!
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in different proteins, veggies, or even soups based on your preferences.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat for a quick meal.
- How long does it last? When properly stored, this casserole should stay fresh for 3 days in the fridge or can be frozen for up to a month.
Wrapping It Up
This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a loving embrace on a plate, perfect for those cozy fall nights when all you want is a bit of comfort. Whether you’re sharing it with family around the dinner table or savoring it alone with a good book, it’s a dish that nourishes both body and soul.
So grab your fork, and don’t forget to save this delightful recipe to your cozy meals board for those nights when you need a little extra warmth. Happy cooking, my friends!
Print
Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Carnivore
Description
A comforting and cozy casserole perfect for busy weeknights, filled with ground beef, rice, and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped onions, garlic powder, or your choice of other seasonings
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, rice, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Make ahead by prepping the casserole a day in advance, and refrigerate it before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, ground beef, comfort food, easy dinner, family recipe