Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Tender rice with seasoned ground beef and onions make for the BEST Ground Beef and Rice Casserole! It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and the ultimate comfort food. EASY to prepare, ready in under an hour, and picky eater approved, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and chilly weather.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Pantry staples like rice, beef, and onion soup mix.

• One-pan comfort: Creamy, savory, and filling.

• Make-ahead friendly: Great for meal prep or freezer storage.

• Family favorite: Kid- and husband-approved!

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil (or as needed)

• 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced small

• 1 lb extra lean ground beef (90–93% lean recommended)

• 1–2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked, dry)

• 1 (1.4 oz) packet French onion soup mix*

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

• 4 cups beef broth (regular or reduced sodium—adjust salt as needed)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, sliced into 6–8 pats

• Green onions, optional for garnish

*No soup mix? Substitute with 1 Tbsp beef bouillon granules + 1 tsp onion powder + ½ tsp garlic powder.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish (or 2.5-quart casserole dish) with nonstick spray.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add onions and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Add ground beef and cook about 5 minutes, breaking apart until browned. Stir in garlic during the last minute.

4. Transfer beef mixture to prepared baking dish.

5. Add uncooked rice, soup mix, salt, pepper, and pour beef broth evenly over. Stir gently to combine.

6. Place pats of butter evenly on top. Cover dish tightly with foil.

7. Bake covered 30 minutes. Remove foil, stir gently, then bake uncovered another 10 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

   • Tip: Depending on rice and oven, it may take an extra 5–10 minutes. Don’t overbake—rice will continue to absorb liquid as it rests.

8. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions, if desired.

Servings & Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy upgrade: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella in the last 10 minutes.

• Veggie boost: Mix in mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers before baking.

• Different grains: Try brown rice (increase broth and bake longer) or wild rice blend.

• Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

• Protein swap: Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.

Storage

• Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

• Reheat: Microwave in 1-minute intervals or warm covered in oven at 325°F until hot.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is classic comfort food—savory, hearty, and satisfying. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a go-to family dinner you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation.

Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is cozy comfort food made with tender rice, seasoned ground beef, and onions. It’s easy to prepare, baked in one dish, and ready in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weather dinners.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or as needed)
• 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced small
• 1 pound extra lean ground beef (90–93% lean)
• 1 to 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 (1.4-ounce) packet French onion soup mix
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 4 cups beef broth (regular or reduced sodium)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced into 6–8 pats
• Green onions, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 11×7-inch baking dish or 2.5-quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, crumbling as it cooks. In the last minute, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish.
5. Add uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, salt, pepper, and pour beef broth evenly over the top. Stir gently to combine.
6. Top casserole evenly with pats of butter. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. After 30 minutes, remove foil, stir gently, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. (If needed, bake an additional 5–10 minutes depending on rice type and oven.)
8. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with green onions and serving.

Notes

• Rice continues to absorb liquid as it cools, so don’t overbake or it will become dry later.
• If using reduced sodium beef broth, adjust seasoning with extra salt to taste.
• Leftovers reheat well but may be drier—add a splash of broth when reheating if desired.

• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 940mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg