When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than having a go-to recipe that’s warm, filling, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. Enter the Ground Beef Casserole — a beloved dinner option that brings together savory beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich tomato base, all layered with fluffy rice and melted cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, made with simple ingredients and ready to be devoured in under an hour.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, prepping for a potluck, or simply want a dish that makes great leftovers, this casserole checks all the boxes. It’s flavorful, hearty, and endlessly adaptable — and best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make.
Why This Ground Beef Casserole Will Be Your New Favorite
Let’s face it: finding a dinner that pleases everyone at the table isn’t always easy. But this casserole has all the elements of a crowd-pleaser.
✅ Quick and Convenient
This recipe uses pantry staples and everyday ingredients, which means you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen. The cooking process is straightforward, with no fancy techniques required. You can even prep it ahead and bake it later, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal planning.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly
With its cheesy layers, tender rice, and flavorful beef, this casserole appeals to both kids and adults alike. It’s mild enough for picky eaters but satisfying enough for anyone craving a hearty meal.
🔁 Flexible and Customizable
Don’t have rice? Use pasta. Want more veggies? Toss in mushrooms or spinach. Prefer it spicy? Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños. The recipe is a great base that you can tweak according to your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting dish:
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1 lb ground beef – Choose lean ground beef for less grease, or sub with ground turkey for a lighter option.
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1 medium onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth.
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2 cloves garlic, minced – For bold, savory flavor.
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1 bell pepper, chopped – Red, yellow, or green all work well.
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – Use fire-roasted for added richness.
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1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce – Creates a luscious base.
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1 cup beef broth – Helps keep everything moist and flavorful.
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1 tsp dried oregano – Adds an herby Italian flair.
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1 tsp dried basil – Complements the tomatoes beautifully.
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Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
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2 cups cooked rice – White, brown, or even cauliflower rice if you’re going low-carb.
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For that gooey, irresistible topping.
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
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2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the meat and vegetables.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and that perfect bubbly cheese crust.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and are fragrant.
4. Create the Flavor Base
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.
5. Mix with Cooked Rice
Once your beef and vegetable mixture is ready, combine it with the cooked rice in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly so every grain of rice is coated in that rich, savory sauce.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or oil. Pour half of the beef and rice mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
Repeat with the remaining mixture and finish with a generous layer of the remaining cheese on top. This two-layer approach ensures that cheesy goodness is distributed throughout the casserole.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling at the edges.
8. Let It Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Casserole
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with lighter sides can balance out the meal:
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Green salad with vinaigrette – Refreshing and crisp.
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Steamed broccoli or green beans – For added veggies.
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Garlic bread or dinner rolls – Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Casserole
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Use Cooked Rice: Make sure your rice is fully cooked before adding it to the beef mixture. Leftover rice works great and saves time.
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Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving for a hassle-free dinner.
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Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
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Try Different Cheeses: Feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for a different flavor twist.
Easy Variations to Try
🌶 Add Some Spice
If you like a bit of heat, stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños with the bell peppers.
🧅 Swap in Pasta
Replace the rice with cooked elbow macaroni, penne, or egg noodles for a beefy baked pasta version.
🥦 Go Heavy on the Veggies
Double up the vegetables or add others like mushrooms, shredded carrots, or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
🥩 Make It Creamy
Stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of cream before baking for a richer, creamier base.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
This ground beef casserole serves about 6 and offers a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbs. Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown:
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 24g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fat: 25g
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Fiber: 3g
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Calcium: 210mg
Note: Values may vary based on your choice of cheese, rice, or added ingredients.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy this ground beef casserole, you’ll want to check out these hearty, family-approved dinners:
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🧀 Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake – Similar to this casserole, but with pasta instead of rice for a creamy, cheesy dish that’s always a hit.
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🥦 Vegetable Rice Casserole – A great vegetarian option packed with flavor and fiber.
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🥔 Classic Shepherd’s Pie – A comforting dish with a rich beef base and fluffy mashed potato topping.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s comforting, affordable, and feeds a hungry crowd, this Ground Beef Casserole is the answer. With its layered flavors, cheesy topping, and flexibility to adjust the ingredients, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug — easy to make, easy to love, and perfect for leftovers the next day.
From weeknight dinners to casual gatherings, it’s a guaranteed win. Don’t be surprised when people ask for seconds (and the recipe)!
Tried this recipe? We’d love to see how your Ground Beef Casserole turned out! Snap a photo and tag us with #GroundBeefCasserole or #ComfortFoodRecipes on Instagram or Facebook.