Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: 1-Pan Pure Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 small onion diced; 2 garlic cloves minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

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I remember the first time I made this dish on a busy Tuesday evening. Honestly, I was a bit of a mess and I just needed something comforting, filling, and quick to throw together. This recipe quickly became a staple in my home because it combines simple pantry items into a total masterpiece of flavor. You are going to love how the savory beef mingles with the fluffy rice and all that melted cheese. It is the ultimate one-pan wonder that saves so much time on cleanup while delivering a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you feel like you are running in circles. You only need a few basic ingredients that you likely already have sitting in your kitchen right now. The combination of melted cheddar and seasoned beef creates a rich flavor that even the pickiest eaters in my house enjoy. It is also a great meal-prep option because the flavors actually seem to get better the next day after they have had time to hang out together.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
2 cups beef broth used instead of wine or water for extra flavor
1 small onion finely diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 bell pepper chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Variations for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

You can easily change this meal up based on what you have on hand. If you want a little more crunch, go ahead and add some corn or diced carrots during the sautéing process. For a leaner version, you can always use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of the beef. If you are like me and prefer a bit of heat, just add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture while it cooks.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious dinner in under an hour. Total time is about 50 minutes, which includes 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of actual cooking time.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook it until it is fully browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the pan.
Stir in the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes until the veggies are soft.
Add the uncooked rice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it all up to coat the rice in those delicious juices.
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cover the skillet with a lid or some foil and bake it in the oven for 25 minutes.
Remove it from the oven, sprinkle that cheddar cheese all over the top, and bake it uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and perfect.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

To avoid ending up with mushy rice, make sure you do not overcook the mixture once the broth is absorbed. If the casserole looks a little bit dry before you add the cheese, you can splash in a tiny bit more beef broth. I always recommend shredding your own cheese from a block for the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese usually has a coating on it that prevents it from becoming perfectly creamy and gooey.

Serving Your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

I love to serve this dish hot directly from the skillet because it looks so rustic and homey. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or some roasted broccoli to balance out the richness of the cheese. A garnish of fresh parsley or some sliced green onions adds a nice pop of color and a fresh bite to every single serving.

Storage Tips for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you want to reheat it, put a portion in the microwave with a teaspoon of water to keep the rice from drying out. You can also reheat the whole thing in the oven at 350 degrees until it is warmed through.

FAQ for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes you can, but you will need to increase the beef broth by about half a cup. You will also need to extend the baking time by about 15 to 20 minutes because brown rice takes much longer to soften up than white rice.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. Let the dish cool down completely, then wrap it tightly in foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before you try to reheat it.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 2g