Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Cheese A Comforting One-Pan Classic 🧀🍲

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

✅ One-pan convenience – fewer dishes, less stress
✅ Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
✅ Customizable with veggies or spices
✅ Perfect for leftovers or meal prep
✅ Freezer-friendly for easy future meals

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)

• 2 ½ cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)

• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (for a kick)

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

• 1 cup spinach or kale

🧀 Want it extra cheesy? Add more cheese on top or stir in cream cheese for extra richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet or oven-safe pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess grease if needed.

Add chopped onions and garlic, and cook until fragrant and softened—about 2–3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Rice

Stir in:

• Uncooked rice

• Beef broth

• Diced tomatoes

• Tomato sauce

• Worcestershire sauce

• Seasonings and optional veggies

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir well and cover the pan with a lid or foil.

Step 3: Simmer or Bake

Option A (Stovetop):
Simmer on low for 18–20 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Option B (Oven-Baked):
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a casserole dish (if not already oven-safe), cover with foil, and bake for 35–40 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once the rice is cooked, remove the cover and sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.

Return to the oven uncovered for 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations to Try

🍗 Ground Turkey or Chicken – Lighten it up with lean proteins
🌶️ Tex-Mex Twist – Add taco seasoning, black beans, and top with jalapeños
🥦 Veggie-Packed – Stir in steamed broccoli, zucchini, or spinach
🧀 Creamy Version – Mix in ½ cup sour cream or cream of mushroom soup
🌾 Brown Rice or Quinoa – Use whole grains for a healthier option (adjust liquid and cook time accordingly)

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth if needed.

Freezer:
Let casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Make-Ahead:
Assemble the dish (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

What to Serve with It

This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

• A crisp green salad 🥗

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls 🥖

• Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies 🥦

• A dollop of sour cream or salsa on top 🌶️

Nutrition (Per Serving – approx. 1/6 of casserole)

• Calories: ~420

• Protein: 28g

• Carbs: 35g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 780mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use already-cooked rice?
Yes! Reduce the broth by half and add the cooked rice after the beef is browned. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes.

How do I prevent mushy rice?
Use long-grain white rice and keep the heat low during cooking. Don’t over-stir while simmering.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap beef for lentils or plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth.

How spicy is it?
This version is mild. To turn up the heat, add chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced green chilies.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Cheese is everything a comfort food should be: warm, flavorful, satisfying, and easy. With its gooey cheese topping, seasoned beef, and fluffy rice, it’s the kind of meal that brings people to the table—and keeps them coming back for seconds.

Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner, prepping lunches, or freezing ahead for a busy day, this casserole has your back.

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