Ground Beef And Vegetable Rice Casserole

Name: Ground Beef And Vegetable Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup uncooked rice; 2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup beef broth; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Hearty Kitchen

I love making Ground Beef and Vegetable Rice Casserole because it's not only delicious but also a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables. This hearty dish brings together the savory flavors of ground beef, mixed vegetables, and tender rice, all baked to perfection. The comforting aroma wafting through the kitchen always gets everyone excited for dinner. Plus, it’s an easy one-pan meal that makes cleanup a breeze—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with family and friends.

Created by

Mia Jefferson

Last updated on 2026-02-16T10:09:36.700Z

When I first whipped up this casserole, I was amazed at how quickly it became a family favorite. The combination of ground beef and colorful vegetables creates a vibrant dish that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. I remember experimenting with different spices to elevate the flavor profile, and now I can’t imagine making it without a hint of paprika and garlic powder. It truly enhances the overall taste.

What I find most rewarding about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily switch up the vegetables based on what you have at home. For instance, I recently tried adding spinach and mushrooms, which added a lovely depth to the dish. The rice absorbs all the flavors from the meat and vegetables, creating a comforting meal for any occasion.

Why You Will Love This Casserole
Hearty blend of savory ground beef and fresh vegetables
Simple one-pan dish that saves on cleanup
Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients

The Role of Ground Beef

Ground beef is the star of this casserole, providing a rich base that absorbs the flavors of the seasonings and complements the vegetables perfectly. I recommend using a lean ground beef, ideally 85% lean, to avoid excess fat rendering during cooking. This not only helps in keeping the dish wholesome but also enhances the texture, allowing the beef to remain tender without becoming greasy.

When browning the ground beef, cook it until it's browned and no longer pink. This step not only develops the meaty flavor but also gives a nice color to the dish. Make sure to break it into small pieces while cooking for even browning and to ensure it mixes well with the other ingredients later.

Choosing and Preparing Vegetables

This casserole can feature an array of vegetables, adding both flavor and nutritional benefits. If you have leftovers, consider using chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. Fresh vegetables should be chopped into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, there's no need to thaw them—just toss them in directly with the beef and onions, and they'll cook while the casserole bakes.

Vegetables contribute moisture and texture to the dish, enhancing its overall heartiness. It's important to sauté them just enough to soften but not fully cook them before mixing them into the casserole. This will prevent them from becoming mushy during baking, ensuring a delightful bite in each forkful.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This casserole is an excellent dish for meal prep, as it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To make ahead, simply prepare the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it before baking. When you're ready to cook, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked casserole. Just ensure it's properly wrapped with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions as usual. You can also portion leftovers in airtight containers for easy reheating in the microwave, making quick lunches or dinners a breeze.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make a delicious casserole:

Casserole Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Ensure all ingredients are prepared and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the casserole:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.

Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.

Combine and Add Rice

Stir in the rice, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth until everything is well combined.

Bake the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top (if using), and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider topping with fresh herbs like parsley or substituting brown rice for white rice for a healthier option.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef and Vegetable Rice Casserole is both substantial and versatile; it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can elevate the dish with a sprinkling of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, before serving to add a bright pop of flavor and color.

For a slight kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the meat while cooking. This will make each bite flavorful without overwhelming the milder tastes of the rice and vegetables, appealing to different palates at your dinner table.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find your casserole is too dry after baking, it may be due to insufficient liquid from the beef broth or soup. Check that you’re using quality ingredients, as the cream of mushroom soup should provide moisture. You can also consider covering the casserole with foil during baking to trap steam, keeping the dish from drying out.

Conversely, if your casserole becomes too liquidy, consider using less broth or adding a bit more rice. This ratio is crucial since rice absorbs the liquid as it cooks. If you encounter this issue after baking, a quick fix is to place the casserole back into the oven uncovered at a higher heat for a few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping tightly and storing in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with the casserole?

A simple side salad or steamed vegetables complements this dish perfectly.