Ground beef and rice casserole recipes bring comfort and are easy to make for family dinners. These casseroles have a mix of ground beef, rice, and often cheese and vegetables. You can find cheesy, Mexican-inspired, and loaded versions. They are known for being simple, full of flavor, and perfect for big gatherings.
Key Takeaways
- Ground beef and rice casseroles are easy, comforting one-dish meals.
- These casseroles feature a base of ground beef and rice with added cheese, vegetables, and seasonings.
- Common variations include cheesy, Mexican-inspired, and loaded versions.
- Ground beef and rice casseroles are beloved for their simplicity, flavor, and ability to feed a crowd.
- These casseroles are perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners.
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole is tasty and quick, perfect for hectic nights. You can make it fully from scratch, a bit homemade, or easy with what you have.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this dish change based on how you make it. For a homemade taste, you might use onion, garlic, flour, cream, and more. The simpler versions cut that down to essentials like canned soup, milk, and ground beef.
Instructions for Quick Recipe
For the fast recipe, preheat your oven and prep a baking dish. Mix some ingredients in a bowl and pour it all into the dish. Bake, then add cheese and bake a bit more. It’s ready to enjoy!
Instructions for Semi-Homemade Version
The semi-homemade way adds a little more to the steps. You’ll mix gravy and milk, then add it to the rice and beef. Bake the mix, then melt cheese on top. It’s a simple way to make a tasty meal.
Instructions for From-Scratch Version
The from-scratch route starts with making a sauce. Cook butter, onion, and more before adding cream and broth. Mix this sauce with rice, beef, and veggies, then bake it with cheese. This version takes a little more time but is worth it.
What are some ground beef and rice casserole recipes?
Aside from the easy cheesy version, there are many tasty ground beef and rice casseroles to try. Classic recipes include ground beef, rice, creamy mushroom soup, and cheese. There are also versions with a Mexican twist or use brown rice and veggies. These are great for quick dinners or family gatherings.
The Mexican rice casserole is a well-loved choice. It has ground beef, rice, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Seasonings like chili powder and cumin give it a kick. Melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top adds yummy comfort.
Then, there’s the beef and rice bake. This one might have broccoli or corn for extra veggies. A creamy, cheesy sauce makes it all come together. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish.
For a healthier option, go for the ground beef and brown rice casserole. Brown rice adds a nutty taste and chewiness. It goes well with the beef and can be mixed with mushrooms or spinach. This adds more nutrition to the meal.
Any of these recipes will give you a tasty, filling meal in one dish. They’re perfect for any night of the week and leftovers heat up well.
Classic Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This dish includes ground beef, white rice, cream of mushroom soup, and carrots. It also uses cheddar or Colby Jack cheese.
Ingredients
First, you brown ground beef in a skillet and remove the fat. Next, mix the beef, uncooked rice, soup, liquids, and carrots in a bowl. Then, place it in a dish, add cheese, and bake at 350°F for 90 minutes.
Instructions
This meal offers 425 calories, 21 grams of fat, and 28 grams of carbs per serving. It’s rich in protein, calcium, and iron too.
Nutrition Facts
Variations and Add-Ins
Ground beef and rice casseroles often use long grain white rice. But, you can switch it up with brown rice. Brown rice needs more water and time to cook, roughly 30 minutes longer.
Adding Veggies
To boost flavor and nutrition, toss in some diced veggies. Try broccoli, peas, corn, or green beans. Add them before baking the casserole.
Covering During Baking
It’s not a must to cover this casserole while baking. But, it might keep the rice moist. If it’s browning too much, cover it loosely with foil.
Tips for Perfect Rice Cooking
For that perfect ground beef and rice casserole, choosing the right rice is key. Long grain white rice is ideal. It won’t get sticky or mushy in the oven. If you use quick-cooking (Minute) rice, remember to change the amount of liquid you add. And, after cooking the rice, let it sit covered for 10 minutes. This helps the grains finish cooking without becoming too soft.
Serving Suggestions
Ground beef and rice casserole is a complete, satisfying meal on its own. It gives you a mix of protein, carbs, and veggies. You can add a simple green salad or sautéed veggies to make it even better. If you’re serving many people, it’s simple to double the recipe for a 9×13-inch dish.
Storage and Reheating
After cooking up a tasty ground beef and rice casserole, you might have some left. Properly storing and reheating it can keep it tasting great.
Refrigerating Leftovers
Stash any extra casserole in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. This keeps it fresh for when you want a warm, home-cooked dish.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze it, let the casserole cool first. Then, put it in a container that’s safe for the freezer. It can last up to 3 months, perfect for those nights you don’t feel like cooking.
Reheating from Frozen
To warm up a frozen casserole, thaw it in the fridge overnight or all day. Once it’s soft, put it in a baking dish and heat it at 325°F for 15-20 minutes. This way, it’s hot all the way through without losing its tasty flavors.
Conclusion
Ground beef and rice casserole recipes make easy, family-friendly meals. They’re great for busy nights or weekends. You can make them fast with some store-bought items, or everything from fresh.
You have lots of choices to make it just right for you. Maybe you like cheese, a touch of Mexico, or the basic stuff; all will be tasty. These casseroles will probably start showing up on your dinner menu often.
These casseroles are good and filling for the whole crew. You can cook them your way, making it simple or fancy. Just pick the rice, spices, and what you want to add, and you’ll make a meal loved by all.
Next time you’re thinking of what to cook, give a ground beef and rice casserole a try. It’s easy to make, and everyone will want more. Pretty soon, it might just be your special recipe.