Whip up this hearty and healthy Ground Beef Rice Casserole in under an hour. Made with basic pantry ingredients, lean ground beef, and frozen veggies, it’s budget-friendly, full of flavor, and ideal for a family meal.
Healthy and Satisfying Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Looking for a quick, affordable dinner that’s both nutritious and comforting? This Ground Beef Rice Casserole fits the bill. Simple ingredients combine to make a flavorful, filling dish everyone will enjoy.
It also reheats very well, making it a great choice for leftovers or meal prep. Pack individual portions for lunches or reheat a slice for a fast weeknight dinner—the casserole keeps its texture and taste.
Ingredients You Need For Ground Beef Casserole
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
- Ground beef – use lean for a lighter dish.
- Long-grain white rice – Basmati, Jasmine, or regular long-grain will work best.
- Beef broth
- Onion and garlic
- Frozen vegetables – peas and carrots or a mixed blend.
- Worcestershire sauce – for depth of flavor.
- Seasonings – salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning.
- Cheese – Swiss, cheddar, or any good melting cheese.
How To Prepare This Casserole
A concise overview is below; follow the recipe card for full details and exact measures.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- Sauté onions in olive oil until golden and caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
- Brown the ground beef, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add frozen vegetables and seasonings, cooking briefly to combine flavors.
- Stir in rice, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
- Transfer to a baking dish and cover tightly with foil or a fitted lid.
- Bake for 30 minutes, remove foil, top with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered another 10–15 minutes until rice is tender and cheese is melted.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Swap the protein for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
- Add heat with red pepper flakes or a can of mild or medium green chiles.
- Other vegetables that work well include broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Make it creamy by folding in 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt before baking.
Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Equipment
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large skillet
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9×13-inch casserole dish
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen veggies, such as peas and carrots
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar
- fresh or dried parsley to garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350℉ and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish (or 3-qt) with non-stick cooking spray.
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 medium diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
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Add 1 pound lean ground beef to the skillet. Crumble and cook until no longer pink, then stir in 1–2 minced garlic cloves and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in 1 cup frozen vegetables, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce. Cook 1–2 minutes to thaw the veggies and blend flavors.
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Add 1 cup long-grain white rice and 2 cups beef broth, stir to combine. Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheese, and bake uncovered 10–15 more minutes, until rice is tender and cheese is melted.
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Garnish with fresh or dried parsley and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions, or bake covered at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until heated through.
See the recipe notes above for additional tips. Nutritional information is provided as an estimate and may vary.
Nutrition
More Popular Casseroles To Enjoy
If you like easy casseroles, try other favorites such as Tuna Noodle Casserole, Beef Nacho Casserole, Big Mac Casserole, Stuffed Pepper Casserole, Tater Tot Casserole, or Chicken Noodle Casserole.
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