Description
This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate one-dish comfort meal. With tender ground beef, fluffy rice, savory tomato sauce, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s the perfect easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal prep idea or a family-friendly dinner option, this hearty casserole checks all the boxes. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and full of satisfying flavor—ideal for quick dinner ideas, meal prep casseroles, or food ideas to feed a crowd.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
2 cups beef broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
3. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, add uncooked rice and pour in beef broth.
4. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the rice in the baking dish.
5. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove foil and sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.
7. Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Be sure to use long grain rice—not instant—to avoid mushy texture.
Let the dish rest before slicing to help it set and make serving easier.
You can easily double this recipe and freeze one for later!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/12 of dish)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: casserole, ground beef, rice, dinner ideas, easy recipe