When it comes to comforting meals that you can whip up easily and share with family or friends, Ground Beef and Rice Casserole stands out as an all-time favorite. This dish brings together hearty ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a whole lot of love, making it a standout recipe in any home cook’s repertoire. The perfect balance of proteins, grains, and vegetables not only fuels your body but also warms your heart.
Why We Love This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a small family or hosting a larger group, this recipe can easily be adjusted to accommodate your needs. Not to mention, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.
The combination of ingredients is carefully crafted to excite your taste buds. The ground beef provides a rich, savory base, while the jasmine rice adds a delightful texture that complements everything perfectly. Plus, you can sneak in a variety of vegetables, allowing for a more nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.
Moreover, the spices used in this recipe, like cumin and paprika, fill your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas that make you feel right at home. Finally, with the addition of gooey cheese and fresh cilantro on top, this casserole transforms into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your loved ones requesting seconds.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Creating a delicious Ground Beef and Rice Casserole requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Here’s what you need:
List of Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 1/4 cup jasmine rice, uncooked
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chopped spinach
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
How to Make Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Bringing this Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to life is easy and rewarding. Follow these steps to create a hearty dish that everyone will love:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, throw in the diced red onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become tender and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. As the beef cooks, break it apart with a spatula. Continue to cook until the meat is browned, which should take around 6 to 8 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, toss in the diced red and green bell peppers. Sauté these colorful veggies for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until they soften.
Next, it’s time to introduce the jasmine rice to the mixture. Stir it in and allow it to absorb the flavors for a minute.
Now, sprinkle in the spices: cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and salt. Stir thoroughly to ensure that every grain of rice is well-coated with the spices.
Carefully pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, followed by the crushed tomatoes, frozen corn, and black beans. Bring this mixture to a low boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keeping the heat low is crucial to ensure the rice cooks perfectly.
After the casserole has simmered and the rice has cooked, stir in the chopped spinach, which adds not only flavor but a nice pop of color.
Lastly, sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese over the top, cover again, and let the cheese melt for 1 to 2 minutes. As you uncover it, the melted cheese reveals a mouthwatering treat waiting to be savored.
You’re now ready to serve up this incredible Ground Beef and Rice Casserole!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Serving Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is as enjoyable as making it. You can present it directly from the skillet for a rustic feel or transfer it to a beautiful serving dish to impress your guests.
Here’s how you might serve it:
- Plate It Up: Use a large serving spoon to portion out individual servings. Each plate should get a generous scoop of the casserole, ensuring everyone gets a mix of beef, rice, and veggies.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a fresh touch. This not only adds a splash of color but also brightens up the flavors.
- Accompaniments: Serve alongside a simple green salad or tortilla chips for added crunch. You might also want to have hot sauce or salsa on hand for those who like a little extra kick.
Gather around the table, and enjoy every comforting bite of this delicious casserole.
Expert Tips for Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Perfecting your Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is made easier with a few expert tips. Here are some that you will find invaluable:
Brown the Meat Well: Ensure that the ground beef is properly browned. This not only enhances flavor but also improves the overall texture of the casserole.
Do Not Rush the Simmer: Cooking the casserole on low heat is vital. It allows the rice to absorb all the flavors while also cooking evenly.
Adjust the Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether. Conversely, if you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Zucchini, carrots, or even diced tomatoes can work beautifully.
Cheese Choices: While Mexican cheese is suggested, you can use any cheese you love. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even queso fresco could work great in this dish.
How to Store Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
After indulging in delicious Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, you might find yourself with leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly:
Let It Cool: Allow the casserole to cool down to room temperature before storing. This will prevent condensation from forming when it’s sealed, which can make it soggy.
Use Airtight Containers: Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. Divide them into smaller portions if you plan to reheat individual servings.
Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Ensure you label the containers with the date for reference.
Variations of Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
One of the best parts of cooking is the ability to customize and adapt recipes to your liking. Here are a few delightful variations of Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to consider:
Southwestern Style: Incorporate corn, black beans, and a dash of taco seasoning for a southwestern twist. Top with avocado and cilantro for a fresh finish.
Italian Influence: Opt for Italian seasoning, and replace the cumin and paprika with garlic powder and Italian herbs. Add diced tomatoes with basil for a delicious Italian flavor profile.
Chicken Alternative: For a lighter take, swap ground beef with ground chicken or turkey. Follow the same method for a leaner casserole option.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with more beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. Pack in extra veggies for a nutritious vegetarian meal.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or diced green chilies for an added kick. The spiciness will elevate the overall flavor of the casserole.
FAQ About Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Can I make Ground Beef and Rice Casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Simply assemble all the ingredients and refrigerate it unbaked. When you’re ready to cook, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for jasmine rice?
If you don’t have jasmine rice, you can use basmati rice or even brown rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice may require a longer cooking time and additional liquid.
Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. Broccoli, zucchini, or peas make excellent additions. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I know when the casserole is cooked?
The casserole is ready when the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. A quick taste test can confirm doneness.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Leftovers can be frozen. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Equipment
- Skillet
- Casserole Dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 small red onion diced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper diced
- 1.25 cups jasmine rice uncooked
- 2 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 2 tsp. oregano
- 1.5 tsp. salt
- 2.5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 15-ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1.5 cups chopped spinach
- 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced red onion for about 5 minutes until tender.
- Add minced garlic and ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add diced red and green bell peppers and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in jasmine rice and let it absorb the flavors for a minute.
- Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and salt. Stir to coat the rice.
- Pour in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Bring to a low boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- After simmering, stir in chopped spinach. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese, cover, and let melt for 1-2 minutes.
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