If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, you’re absolutely going to love this Classic Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. It brings together perfectly seasoned ground beef, fluffy jasmine rice, colorful bell peppers, and a medley of spices that create a beautifully balanced, hearty meal everyone will enjoy. This casserole is not only simple to prepare but also a fantastic way to feed a family or guests with layers of taste that keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, accessible, and each plays an important role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this casserole so memorable. From the rich spices to the fresh vegetables, every component is essential to the magic of this dish.
- 3 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a lovely richness and helps soften the vegetables to release their natural sweetness.
- 1 small red onion, diced: Adds mild sharpness and a little crunch to the mix.
- 1 lb ground beef: The heart of the casserole, providing savory depth and hearty protein.
- 1.5 tbsp garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth and a slight kick that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 medium red bell pepper (diced): Adds sweetness and bright color.
- 1 medium green bell pepper (diced): Offers a crisp, slightly earthy contrast in taste and vibrant green color.
- 1.25 cups jasmine rice: Soaks up all the delicious flavors and gives a soft, fluffy texture.
- 2.5 tsp cumin (ground): Provides a warm, nutty undertone that’s essential for that classic casserole flavor.
- 1.5 tsp chili powder: Adds depth and subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
- 2.5 tsp paprika: Brings smoky sweetness and a beautiful red hue.
- 2 tsp oregano: Offers a touch of herbal brightness.
- 1.75 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 2.75 cups chicken broth: Used to cook the rice, it infuses the dish with savory richness.
- 15 oz canned tomatoes (diced): Adds moisture and a slightly tangy sweetness.
- 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh): Adds bursts of natural sweetness and pop of texture.
- 15 oz canned black beans (rinsed and drained): Bring hearty creaminess and contrast to the meat.
- 1.5 cups spinach (fresh): Adds freshness, color, and nutrients, melting slightly during baking.
- 1.5 cups Mexican cheese (shredded): Creates a melty, gooey topping that’s pure comfort food.
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice: Adds a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness beautifully.
How to Make Classic Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced red onion and let it soften until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic along with the diced red and green bell peppers. Cook until the peppers start to soften, which takes around 5 minutes. This step builds the flavorful foundation for the casserole by releasing the natural sweetness and depth of the vegetables.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the ground beef to the center. Break it apart with a spoon and cook it until no longer pink, ensuring it develops a nice browned crust. This gives the beef a rich, savory flavor that enhances the final dish dramatically.
Step 3: Stir in Spices and Rice
Now it’s time to get those spices working their magic. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and salt. Stir everything together so the spices evenly coat the meat and vegetables. Add the jasmine rice and mix thoroughly, letting the rice toast slightly for a minute. This step awakens the spices’ aromas and starts infusing the rice with flavor.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed all the delicious liquids. This simmering stage is where the components marry together into one cohesive, tasty casserole base.
Step 5: Mix in Beans, Corn, and Spinach
After the rice is tender, fold in the black beans, corn, and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts slightly from the residual heat and the beans are warmed through. These ingredients add hearty texture, sweetness, and vibrant color right before the final cheesy topping.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Lime Juice, then Bake
Transfer the whole mixture to a baking dish and pour the lime juice over the top, stirring gently if you wish. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. This finishing step gives the casserole a luscious, irresistible cheesy crust.
How to Serve Classic Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Classic Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe, add freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado can also bring cool creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced casserole.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to lighten up the meal. Consider serving with warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up every last bite of the flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or scoop it into bell pepper halves and bake for a delightful stuffed pepper presentation. Either way, your guests will appreciate the colorful, inviting look as much as the bold flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the casserole in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the casserole seems dry, stir in a splash of broth or water to restore moisture and prevent it from becoming too dense.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice is preferred for its aroma and texture, you can substitute with long-grain white rice or even brown rice—just keep in mind that cooking times and rice-to-liquid ratios may vary slightly.
Is this casserole spicy?
The Classic Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe has a gentle, balanced heat from the chili powder, but it’s not overly spicy. You can always adjust the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne if you prefer more kick.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with hearty plant-based crumbles or extra beans and vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Be sure to measure the rice and liquid accurately, and avoid overcooking during the simmering step. Covering the skillet tightly helps steam the rice properly, so keep an eye on it towards the end of cooking.
What type of cheese works best?
Mexican cheese blends that include cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla melt beautifully and provide a rich, creamy texture that complements the spices. Feel free to mix in your favorites!
Final Thoughts
This Classic Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that strikes the perfect balance between comforting and exciting. It’s packed with layers of flavor and textures, easy to prepare, and endlessly satisfying. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try for your next family dinner or cozy night in — it just might become your new go-to favorite!
Print
Classic Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired American
Description
This Classic Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal packed with seasoned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and tender jasmine rice. Enhanced with a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, and enriched with nutritious additions like fresh spinach, black beans, and corn, this casserole offers a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Topped with melted Mexican cheese and a splash of fresh lime juice, it beautifully balances savory and fresh flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1.5 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
- 15 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained
Grains and Liquids
- 1.25 cups jasmine rice
- 2.75 cups chicken broth (Swanson recommended)
- 15 oz canned diced tomatoes
Spices and Flavorings
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tbsp minced garlic
- 2.5 tsp ground cumin
- 1.5 tsp chili powder
- 2.5 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1.75 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the red onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Mince the garlic and rinse and drain the canned black beans. Measure out all spices and other ingredients to be ready for cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Ground Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add Peppers and Spices: Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and salt. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers soften slightly and the spices are well incorporated.
- Combine Rice and Liquids: Add the jasmine rice to the meat and vegetable mixture and stir well to coat the rice in the spices and juices. Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Casserole: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or transfer everything to a casserole dish if using a separate one, cover tightly with a lid or foil, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Beans, Corn, and Spinach: Carefully uncover and stir in the rinsed black beans, corn, and fresh spinach. Cover again and allow the spinach to wilt and everything to heat through for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Lime Juice: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover once more and let it melt for 3 to 4 minutes. Once melted, drizzle the fresh lime juice over the casserole for freshness and give a gentle stir before serving.
- Serve Warm: Spoon the casserole onto plates or bowls and enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian—just omit the ground beef.
- For extra spiciness, add a diced jalapeño or sprinkle with cayenne powder.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well in the microwave or oven.
- To make this dish gluten free, ensure that the chicken broth and canned products are certified gluten free.
