Ground Beef & Rice Casserole (One-Pan Comfort Bake)
Description
This Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is a simple, hearty, and budget-friendly meal made by combining seasoned ground beef with uncooked rice and baking everything together in one dish. As it cooks, the rice absorbs all the savory juices, creating a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Optional:
- 1 cup shredded cheese 🧀
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread the ground beef evenly. Add the chopped onion on top. Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the beef mixture.
In a separate bowl, mix the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the rice and beef. Gently press everything down so the rice is fully submerged in the liquid.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the rice is tender and the top is slightly golden. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and the texture firm up.
Servings
Serves 4–5 people
Time
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Cook time: 55–65 minutes
Notes
The rice cooks directly in the broth, absorbing all the rich beef flavor. Covering the dish is important to trap steam and ensure the rice cooks properly.
Tips
Use lean ground beef to reduce grease. You can also pre-cook the beef for a lighter texture. Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition. For extra flavor, try using beef bouillon or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~400–450 kcal
Protein: ~25g
Carbs: ~35g
Fat: ~20g
Benefits
This dish is high in protein for muscle support and contains carbohydrates for energy. It’s a balanced, filling meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prepping.
Q&A
Q: Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase liquid and cooking time.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes, up to 2 months.
Q: Why is my rice undercooked?
Make sure it’s fully covered with liquid and baked long enough.
Q: Can I make it without soup?
Yes, replace with extra broth and seasoning.
Q: Can I make it cheesy?
Absolutely—add cheese on top before final baking.