When life gets busy and you want a meal that satisfies your hunger and warms your soul, ground beef and rice casserole is the answer. This dish combines simple ingredients in one pan, making it easy to prepare while delivering rich flavor and a comforting texture. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals ahead for the week, this casserole brings convenience and taste together in one hearty dish.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
You’ll appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together without sacrificing flavor. The mix of savory ground beef, creamy soups, and melted cheddar cheese creates a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The use of instant rice speeds up cooking, so you don’t have to wait long for a satisfying dinner. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that requires minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. You can also customize it with your favorite seasonings or veggies, making it flexible to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
To make this casserole, you’ll need some pantry staples and a few fresh items. Here’s everything you’ll use to create this delicious meal:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 ounce packet of onion soup and dip mix
- 10.5 ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 10.5 ounce can of condensed cream of cheese soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups instant rice
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Cooking this casserole is simple and straightforward. You’ll start by preparing the beef mixture on the stove and then bake it until bubbly and golden. Follow these steps carefully for the best results:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the onion soup mix. Stir frequently until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being greasy.
Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of cheese soup, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine these creamy ingredients with the beef evenly.
Pour in the chicken or beef broth and stir again to incorporate all liquids.
Next, add the instant rice and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly so the rice is evenly coated and the cheese starts to melt slightly.
Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish. Smooth it out with a spatula for an even layer.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and the flavors to meld together.
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps the cheese on top turn golden and slightly crispy.
Once done, take the casserole out and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
With these steps, you’ll end up with a deliciously creamy casserole that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any meal.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Serving this casserole is as easy as cooking it. You can scoop generous portions onto plates and pair it with simple sides. Fresh green vegetables like steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad add color and nutrition to your meal. A side of crusty bread or dinner rolls works well to soak up any extra sauce on your plate.
For a heartier meal, try adding a dollop of sour cream on top or sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of freshness. This casserole also pairs nicely with mild pickles or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness.
If you’re preparing this dish for a crowd, bake it in a larger dish and serve buffet-style so everyone can help themselves. Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave, making it a convenient choice for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
To make your casserole stand out, here are some handy tips you should keep in mind:
- Use lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) to avoid excess grease that can make the dish soggy.
- If you like, swap the onion soup mix for fresh onions and garlic sautéed with the beef for a fresher taste.
- Stir the rice mixture thoroughly before baking to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Don’t skip draining the cooked beef; this helps keep the casserole creamy without being oily.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of milk or half-and-half to the soup mixture before baking.
- Covering the dish tightly with foil is important to trap steam and cook the rice perfectly.
- Remove the foil towards the end of baking to brown the cheese topping for a nice texture contrast.
- Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make cutting easier.
By following these pointers, you’ll get a moist, flavorful casserole that tastes like it came from your favorite comfort food restaurant.
How to Store Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
If you have leftovers or want to prepare this casserole ahead of time, storing it properly is key to keeping it fresh and tasty.
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating.
- Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- To reheat, warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, or use a microwave for quicker reheating.
- If you want to freeze the casserole, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Proper storage ensures your casserole stays moist and delicious without drying out or losing flavor.
Variations of Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole is versatile, so feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are some simple variations you can try:
- Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas when mixing the beef and rice for extra nutrition and color.
- Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of chili powder, cumin, or hot sauce to the beef mixture to give it a mild kick.
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Use Brown Rice: For a healthier option, substitute instant white rice with instant brown rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it Creamier: Stir in a cup of plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese along with the sour cream for a richer texture.
- Taco Style: Use taco seasoning instead of onion soup mix and add black beans and corn for a Tex-Mex inspired casserole.
Experimenting with these ideas can make your casserole more exciting and tailored to what you and your family enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
What kind of rice should I use for this casserole?
Instant rice is recommended because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. However, you can use other quick-cooking rice varieties if you adjust the liquid and baking time.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it the day before and store it covered in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to eat, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from cold.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Check the labels of your soups and broth, as some contain gluten. Use gluten-free versions of cream soups and broth to make this dish safe for a gluten-free diet.
How can I make this casserole healthier?
Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Add extra vegetables and choose low-fat versions of sour cream and cheese.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Freeze in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 ounce packet of onion soup and dip mix
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of cheese soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups instant rice
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 2.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion soup mix. Drain excess grease.
- Add the cream of chicken soup, cream of cheese soup, and sour cream to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Stir in the broth and then add the instant rice and 2 cups of the cheddar cheese, mixing well.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth it out. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
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