Ground Beef And Vegetable Rice Casserole

Name: Ground Beef And Vegetable Rice Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup uncooked rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup chopped carrots; 1 cup diced bell peppers; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

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I love making this Ground Beef and Vegetable Rice Casserole whenever I want a comforting dish that warms both the belly and the soul. This recipe combines savory ground beef, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice, all baked together in one dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings. The best part is how each ingredient complements the others, creating layers of flavor that everyone enjoys. Trust me, your family will request this meal on repeat!

Created by

Lucinda Price

Last updated on 2026-02-16T03:43:36.396Z

When I first attempted to make this dish, I was impressed by how straightforward it was while still delivering delicious flavors. The combination of seasoned ground beef with a medley of fresh vegetables truly transforms the humble rice casserole into a feast. Adding spices like garlic and paprika enhances the overall taste, and I've found that allowing it to bake slowly helps meld the flavors beautifully.

One of my favorite techniques is to sauté the vegetables before mixing them with the beef. This not only softens them but also intensifies their flavor, making every spoonful satisfying. I’ve experimented with different veggies, and I can assure you that the versatility of this recipe is one of its best attributes. You can use whatever you have on hand, and it will still shine!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A hearty meal that brings together protein, veggies, and grains in one dish
Flexible recipe that allows for various vegetables to suit your taste
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers, making your week easier

Choosing Your Vegetables

One of the great things about this casserole is its flexibility with vegetables. You can easily swap in seasonal veggies or whatever you have on hand. For instance, zucchini, spinach, or even broccoli can work well in this dish. Just be mindful of the cooking times; denser vegetables like carrots will need to be sautéed longer than softer ones. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully without overcooking the dish.

Also, feel free to experiment with frozen vegetable mixes that include corn or green beans, as they add a nice texture. Just remember to adjust the cooking times slightly if you're adding any extra moisture from frozen ingredients. Fresh herbs can be a lovely addition too; consider stirring in some chopped parsley or thyme right before serving for a pop of freshness.

Making Ahead and Storage Tips

This casserole is great for meal prepping, as it keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. You can assemble it in advance and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. If you're short on time, prepare the mixture, let it cool, and freeze it before baking. Just ensure you label the container with cooking instructions, so you'll know it needs about ten extra minutes of baking time when pulled from the freezer.

When reheating leftovers, do so in the oven for the best results; this keeps the rice fluffy. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out—reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you're using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally to promote even warming.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Ground Beef and Vegetable Rice Casserole, consider serving it with a side salad or steamed vegetables. A refreshing green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole nicely. You can also serve the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for added color and flavor. I love adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

If you want a substantial meal, pair it with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious flavors. This will also make it a great choice for gatherings or potlucks since it stretches to feed a crowd easily. Just serve and enjoy the delightful responses from your family and friends!

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup diced bell peppers
1 cup frozen peas
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready when the casserole is assembled.

Sauté the Vegetables and Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and bell peppers, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed beef and vegetable mixture with the uncooked rice and beef broth. Add the frozen peas and mix well.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and hearty meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, feel free to mix in your favorite herbs like thyme or oregano, or tweak the vegetables based on the season or what you have available.

Common Troubleshooting

One common issue while making this casserole is rice that becomes too mushy. To prevent this, make sure to measure the rice and broth accurately, keeping in mind that different types of rice (like brown rice versus white rice) have varying water absorption rates. If you're using brown rice, for example, you may need to increase both the cooking time and liquid.

If you find that your casserole isn’t setting up properly, it might need more baking time. Make sure to cover it with foil during the first half of the baking time to retain moisture, then uncover it to allow for a nice golden crust. If you’ve added extra vegetables, consider checking for doneness a few minutes earlier to avoid overcooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef while still maintaining a hearty texture. They blend well with the other ingredients and can significantly reduce the fat content. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly since lean meats can be milder in flavor compared to beef.

For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for a plant-based meat alternative or chickpeas for protein. Increase the vegetable broth to boost flavor and depth. This alteration makes the dish suitable for various dietary preferences while keeping the comforting qualities intact.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time and add extra liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or meat substitutes and use vegetable broth instead.

→ Is it okay to freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze it before or after baking. Just ensure it's stored in an airtight container.

→ What can I serve with the casserole?

This casserole is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.