Ground Beef Rice Casserole: Beef and Rice Bake
Select long-grain white rice for this ground beef rice casserole to ensure the grains stay distinct after simmering. Use a 23x33 cm (9x13 in) baking dish to allow the ingredients to spread evenly for a consistent bake. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) before you begin the stovetop preparation so the dish can go straight in to brown.
This American dinner combines browned beef and rice simmered in a creamy broth. You stir in cheddar cheese to create a rich texture before topping the bake with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella. After 15–20 minutes in the oven, the cheese forms a golden, bubbly crust over the savoury centre. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to set before serving.
Ground Beef Rice Casserole: Beef and Rice Bake
Recipe cardIngredients
Watch how it's made
Instructions
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Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Lightly grease a 23 × 33 cm (9 × 13 in) baking dish with olive oil. This prevents the rice from sticking to the sides during baking.
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Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large sâuté pan or pot over medium heat. Melt the butter and stir in the diced onion. Cook for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
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Brown the beef
Add the ground beef to the pan and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for 7 minutes until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to ensure the final casserole is not greasy.
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Toast the rice
Stir in the minced garlic and sâuté for 30 seconds. Add the rice and stir for 1 minute to coat the grains in the butter –oil mixture. Toasting the rice adds a deeper nuttiness to the dish.
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Simmer the mixture
Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
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Assemble the casserole
Remove the pan from heat and stir in 100 g of cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella on top for a golden crust.
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Bake and rest
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the structure to set so you can serve clean portions.
Watch the cheese topping carefully during the final minutes of baking. If the cheese browns too quickly before the casserole is heated through, cover the dish loosely with foil. This protects the dairy from burning while the heat penetrates the centre of the rice.
What to serve with it
Pair this casserole with a green salad dressed in olive oil and lemon juice to provide a bright contrast to the rich cheese. You may also add a dollop of plain Greek yoghurt or avocado-sour cream for a richer finish, or garnish with fresh cilantro and lime for a Mediterranean flair.
Storing and reheating
Cool the dish to room temperature within 2 hours before refrigerating for up to 4 days. For longer storage, pack leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes until hot.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 480
- Protein
- 32.5 g
- Carbs
- 34.0 g
- Fat
- 23.0 g
- Fiber
- 1.5 g
- Sugar
- 4.0 g
Estimated, and offered as a guide rather than a medical figure.
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Questions people ask
What are the ingredients for a ground beef casserole with rice?
You need halal ground beef, long-grain white rice, and chicken or beef broth. The base is flavoured with onion, garlic, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning, then bound together with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
What is hillbilly casserole?
Hillbilly casserole is a regional American variation of a beef and rice bake. While versions vary, they typically focus on hearty, accessible ingredients like ground meat, rice, and melted cheese to create a filling meal.
What is Dolly Parton casserole?
Dolly Parton casserole is another name for a comforting beef and rice bake. It follows the same general principle of combining browned meat and cooked grains in a creamy sauce topped with cheese.
What are some easy casseroles I can make with rice?
Ground beef rice casserole is a simple option using basic pantry staples. You can also try variations by adding black beans and corn for a Mexican style, or folding in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for extra fibre.
