Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole — One-Pan Comfort in 30 Minutes!
This One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a quick and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for hectic evenings. The rice cooks directly in a flavorful mixture of beef broth and tomato sauce, soaking up all the rich, seasoned flavors from the beef and spices. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and only one pan to clean, this comforting meal is ready in about 30 minutes.
One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Bake
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80/20) | 1 lb |
| Long-grain white rice, uncooked | 1 cup |
| Diced tomatoes, with juices | 1 (15 oz) can |
| Tomato sauce | 1 (8 oz) can |
| Beef broth | 1½ cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese, divided | 1½ cups |
| Small onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Optional: corn, black beans, or diced green chiles | ½ cup |
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease if needed. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, then cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the surface.
Step 4: Broil and Serve
For a golden, bubbly topping, place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly and the flavors can settle.
Serve warm and enjoy this cheesy, hearty one-pan meal.
