Dinner

Classic Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Name: Classic Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 small red onion, diced; 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended); 1.5 tbsp garlic, minced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 1 medium green bell pepper, diced; 1.25 cups jasmine rice; 2.5 tsp ground cumin; 1.5 tsp chili powder; 2.5 tsp paprika; 2 tsp oregano; 1.75 tsp salt; 2.75 cups chicken broth (Swanson recommended); 15 oz canned diced tomatoes; 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen); 15 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained; 1.5 cups fresh spinach; 1.5 cups Mexican cheese, shredded (cheddar, Monterey Jack or blend); 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Byreem everly January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This classic ground beef and rice casserole is a comforting one-pan meal that combines protein, veggies, and flavorful spices into an easy weeknight dinner. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and is always a crowd-pleaser with its cheesy, savory goodness. Perfect for busy families or anyone craving a hearty, balanced dish.

This image shows a close-up of a spoonful of cheesy beef and rice casserole being lifted from a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The dish has multiple layers including cooked ground beef mixed with brown rice, melted yellow cheese, and small pieces of red bell pepper scattered on top. There are also fresh green herbs sprinkled over the dish for color and freshness. The textures show the golden melted cheese intertwined with the rice and meat, making the food look warm and hearty. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil
1 small red onion, diced
1 lb ground beef
1.5 tbsp garlic, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1.25 cups jasmine rice
2.5 tsp ground cumin
1.5 tsp chili powder
2.5 tsp paprika
2 tsp dried oregano
1.75 tsp salt
2.75 cups chicken broth
15 oz canned diced tomatoes
1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
15 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1.5 cups fresh spinach
1.5 cups Mexican cheese, shredded
1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the red onion, mince the garlic, and dice both bell peppers; set aside. Rinse and drain the canned black beans and set aside with the corn. Measure out the jasmine rice and chicken broth. In a small bowl, combine the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and salt for easy seasoning later. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the softened onion and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains, allowing the meat to develop a nice crust by not stirring constantly.
Step 3: Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Pour in the combined dry spice mix and stir continuously for about 1 minute to bloom the spices and release their flavors.
Step 4: Stir in the jasmine rice, coating it with the oil and spices for about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the canned diced tomatoes with their liquid, corn, and black beans. Stir everything well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through around 10 minutes, to ensure even cooking. The rice should absorb most of the liquid and become tender with a mostly dry but moist consistency.
Step 6: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt into the hot mixture for 1-2 minutes. Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the casserole and stir again. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Mexican cheese on top, cover briefly for 1-2 minutes to allow it to melt, then serve directly.

Tips & Variations

Use 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture. For leaner options, add a little olive oil to prevent dryness.
Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles if desired, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Swap jasmine rice for long-grain white or basmati rice. Avoid brown rice unless you increase liquid and cooking time.
Try different beans like pinto or kidney, and substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach.
For a spicier kick, add pepper jack cheese or use poblano peppers instead of bell peppers.
Be sure not to lift the lid frequently during simmering to retain steam and ensure properly cooked rice.

Storage

This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for make-ahead meals or leftovers. To freeze, cool completely and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion into containers for convenient meal prep; freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes from fridge or 35-40 minutes from frozen. Microwaving individual portions for 2-3 minutes—stirring halfway—is also quick and easy. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry after reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a spoon scooping a colorful, layered dish from a white bowl with a red rim placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has a base layer of brown cooked ground meat mixed with rice, topped with melted yellow cheese sprinkled with small green cilantro leaves. Bright red bell pepper pieces and lighter yellow crunchy chips add more color and texture on top. The melted cheese looks soft and stretchy, mixing with the warm rice and meat, creating a rich, hearty look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Brown rice can be used but requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Increase the broth to 3 cups and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to ensure the rice cooks through.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can substitute chicken broth with beef or vegetable broth for different flavor profiles. If using water, add about a teaspoon of salt to maintain the seasoning balance.