Description
This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Made with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese, it’s an easy, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Customize it with your favorite ingredients for a Mexican-style twist or a ranch-flavored version. Simple to prepare, easy to store, and even better the next day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, drained)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional, for a smoky touch)
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning (for a ranch-flavored twist)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Season & combine: Stir in paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and ranch seasoning (if using). Mix well.
- Add tomatoes, beans, corn, and broth: Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix in the rice and sour cream, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble in baking dish: Spread the mixture into the prepared dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it healthier: Use lean ground turkey, brown rice, and low-fat cheese.
- For a Mexican twist, add taco seasoning and replace ranch seasoning with chili powder.
- For a ranch-flavored casserole, increase ranch seasoning and top with crushed crispy fried onions.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food