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Classic Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 74 reviews

This classic Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, all-in-one skillet meal perfect for weeknights. Featuring browned ground beef, flavorful spices, vegetables, and jasmine rice simmered in chicken broth, it combines protein, veggies, and rice in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximal flavor. Finished with fresh spinach, melted Mexican cheese, and a splash of lime juice, it’s a family-friendly dish with mild, kid-approved flavors that’s both budget-friendly and nutritious.

Ingredients

Scale

Base 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

Spices & Rice

  • 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

Liquids & Vegetables

  • 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

Finishing Touches

  • 1.5 cups Mexican cheese, shredded (cheddar, Monterey Jack or blend)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare Mise en Place and Build the Aromatics Base: Dice the red onion and bell peppers, and mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the black beans and set aside with the corn. Combine the spices (cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt) in a small bowl. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Brown the Meat and Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic to the onion and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Increase heat slightly and add ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned with no pink remaining. Let the meat sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop a crust, enhancing flavor.
  3. Build Flavor with Peppers and Spices: Add diced red and green bell peppers to the beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Pour in the prepared spice mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to bloom the spices and release their oils.
  4. Combine Rice, Broth, and Vegetables: Stir in the jasmine rice for 1 minute to coat with oil and spices. Pour in chicken broth, then add canned diced tomatoes (with liquid), corn, and black beans. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Simmer and Cook Rice Through: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 20 minutes. Halfway through (around 10 minutes), carefully remove the lid and stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The rice should absorb most liquid and become tender, resulting in a mostly dry but moist mixture.
  6. Finish with Spinach, Cheese, and Lime: Remove skillet from heat and stir in fresh spinach, letting it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the casserole and stir. Sprinkle remaining shredded Mexican cheese on top, cover briefly for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts slightly, then serve directly from skillet.

Notes

  • Use 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef for best balance of flavor and moisture; leaner beef can dry out the dish unless you add extra oil.
  • Alternative proteins: ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or plant-based crumbles for vegetarian.
  • Rice substitutions: Long-grain white or basmati rice work well; brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time.
  • Vegetable alternatives: Kale, Swiss chard, or frozen spinach can replace fresh spinach.
  • Beans substitutions: Pinto, kidney beans, or chickpeas can be used instead of black beans.
  • To avoid a watery casserole, drain canned tomatoes, corn, and beans well before adding.
  • Do not lift the lid frequently during simmering to maintain steam and ensure rice cooks evenly.
  • The lime juice added at the end brightens and balances the warm spices.
  • Store leftovers covered in fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F or microwave with added broth/water if dry.

Keywords: ground beef casserole, rice casserole, one-pot meal, weeknight dinner, easy casserole, ground beef recipe, family dinner, skillet dinner

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/classic-ground-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe/