Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
This easy and cheesy beef and rice casserole combines lean ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and flavorful seasonings with tender rice and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting, all-in-one dish perfect for a family dinner, featuring a savory blend of ingredients simmered together on the stovetop for convenience and rich taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 10 oz can Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies – Do not drain
- 1 ½ cups beef broth or stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Grains and Cheese
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, garlic, salt, and pepper until the meat is browned. Drain excess fat and return the skillet to medium heat.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions and peppers soften.
- Add liquids and rice: Stir in the beef broth, uncooked long grain rice, undrained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and Worcestershire sauce until all ingredients are well combined.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey layer.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty meal.
Notes
- Slow Cooker: Brown the ground beef separately, then add it to the slow cooker along with the rice, vegetables, seasonings, and beef broth. Cook on low for 2 hours or on high for 1 hour until the rice is tender.
- Instant Pot: Brown the ground beef and onion using the sauté function. Add the rice, tomatoes, garlic, broth, and spices. Stir well, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before finishing with quick release. Stir, top with cheese, and serve.
