Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole — One-Pan Comfort in 30 Minutes!
This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole is the ultimate one-pan solution for a busy weeknight. By cooking the rice directly in the beef broth and tomato sauce, every grain absorbs the savory, spiced flavors of the meat and aromatics. It’s a hearty, balanced meal that delivers maximum comfort with minimal cleanup, going from stovetop to table in just 30 minutes.
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One-Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Ground beef (80/20 lean) | 1 lb |
| Long-grain white rice (uncooked) | 1 cup |
| Diced tomatoes, undrained | 1 (15 oz) can |
| Tomato sauce | 1 (8 oz) can |
| Beef broth | 1 1/2 cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese (divided) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Onion, finely diced | 1 small |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Optional: Corn, black beans, or green chilies | 1/2 cup |
Directions:
Step 1: Brown and Season: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until the meat is browned.1 Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
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Step 2: Simmer the Rice: Stir the uncooked rice, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and cook for 18/20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The dish is ready when the liquid is absorbed and the rice is perfectly tender.
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Step 3: The Cheesy Finish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the casserole looks creamy. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Broil and Rest: For a professional finish, place the skillet under the broiler for 2/3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving; this allows the sauce to thicken slightly and ensures the perfect texture.
