Cozy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for Family

Comfort food reaches new heights with this ranch ground beef and rice casserole that promises pure culinary satisfaction.

Creamy textures and bold flavors dance together in every delectable bite.

Seasoned ground beef mingles effortlessly with tender rice, creating a meal that speaks directly to your hunger.

The ranch seasoning adds a zesty kick that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Packed with protein and warmth, this dish delivers a satisfying one-pan meal that comes together quickly.

Layers of savory goodness promise to become a weeknight dinner staple you’ll crave again and again.

Grab your skillet and let’s turn simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty flavor and satisfying protein base for the casserole, choose lean beef for healthier option.
• Onions: Adds depth and sweetness, select fresh firm onions without soft spots.

• Beef Broth: Creates moisture and enhances savory taste, opt for low-sodium version for better control of saltiness.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Delivers creamy texture and additional umami flavor, select condensed version for best consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and smooth creaminess, full-fat version provides best flavor.

• Rice: Serves as hearty foundation, use long-grain white rice for perfect fluffy texture.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal complexity, choose blend with dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic intensity, select fresh cloves for most robust flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings for balancing overall taste.

• Shredded Cheese: Creates golden, melty topping with rich flavor, choose blend of cheddar and mozzarella.
• Fresh Parsley or Green Onions: Optional garnish for fresh brightness and color.

Tools That Make This Beef and Rice Casserole Simple

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing onions with ample space for mixing ingredients.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for creating this hearty casserole and ensuring even cooking.
• Aluminum Foil: Crucial for covering the casserole during initial baking to keep moisture locked in.
• Measuring Cups: Needed for accurately portioning broth, rice, and other ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and combining ingredients smoothly in the skillet.
• Sharp Knife: Used for dicing onions and chopping optional garnish like parsley.

How to Cook Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and grab a baking dish. Give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent any sticky situations.

• Brown the Meat

Toss ground beef and chopped onions into a hot skillet. Let them sizzle and dance until the meat turns a gorgeous golden brown and onions soften. Splash in some minced garlic for an extra flavor punch.

• Mix

Dump uncooked rice, beef broth, creamy soup, tangy sour cream, herb blend, and half the cheese into the skillet. Stir everything together like you’re conducting a delicious symphony. Season with salt and pepper to make your taste buds sing.

• Casserole Creation

Pour this mouthwatering mixture into your prepared baking dish. Wrap it up tight with aluminum foil – we’re sealing in all those incredible flavors.

• Bake and Wait

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bubble away for 40-45 minutes. The rice will become tender and absorb all those amazing juices.

• Cheese Finale

Whip off the foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and return to the oven. Let the cheese melt into a gorgeous golden blanket for 5-10 minutes.

• Serve and Enjoy

If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some fresh herbs on top. Dig in while it’s hot and get ready for comfort food heaven.

Flavor Additions for Your Ground Beef Casserole

• A casserole that saves dinnertime!
• Switch ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option. Ground lamb adds a rich, distinctive flavor for adventurous eaters.
• Sneak in chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during the beef cooking stage to increase nutritional value and add extra texture.
• Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify your beef broth is certified gluten-free. Ensure all ingredients meet dietary restrictions before preparing.
• Assemble the entire casserole, then freeze unbaked. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and bake as directed, potentially adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Replace cheese with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds. Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt for creamy consistency.

Serve This Comforting Casserole with Sides or Alone

• Family Feast Night: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Quick Comfort Combo: Top each serving with a dollop of cool sour cream and extra ranch seasoning to boost the creamy, tangy flavor profile.
• Leftover: Transform remaining casserole into stuffed bell peppers by mixing with extra cheese and filling fresh bell peppers for a delicious next-day lunch.
• Protein Power-Up: Sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or sliced green onions on top for added crunch and a burst of extra flavor that'll make this dish absolutely irresistible.

Storage Tips for Rice Casserole That Stays

• Whip up a double batch and freeze half for busy weeknight dinners. Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go meals that save time and reduce stress.
• Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The casserole stays fresh and tasty when sealed properly, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It'll stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350F to restore its original cheesy goodness.
• Revive cold casserole by adding a splash of beef broth before warming. This trick keeps the rice moist and prevents dryness, ensuring each bite tastes just as amazing as when first baked.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, typically around 50-60 minutes.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

• Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work well as alternatives. Each will slightly change the flavor profile of the dish.

• How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture to increase the heat level and give the casserole a spicy kick.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 485 kcal

Servings: 7

Hearty Ranch Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines classic comfort ingredients for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Savory beef, creamy ranch, and melted cheese create a delicious one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (453 g) ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, setting the stage for a comforting meal.
2. Meat Foundation: In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onions over medium heat, incorporating garlic until fragrant. Drain excess fat to ensure a clean, rich base.
3. Flavor Fusion: Combine uncooked rice, beef broth, mushroom soup, sour cream, Italian seasoning, and half the cheese in the skillet. Mix thoroughly, seasoning with salt and pepper to amplify taste dimensions.
4. Baking Ritual: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 40-45 minutes until rice reaches perfect tenderness and liquid is absorbed.
5. Cheese Finale: Uncover the casserole, sprinkle remaining cheese over the top, and return to oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, golden blanket.
6. Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, then serve immediately to capture the dish’s ultimate flavor and textural harmony.

Notes

Manage Meat Moisture: Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, ensuring a crisp and flavorful casserole without soggy texture.

Customize Rice Consistency: Choose long-grain rice for better separation and prevent clumping; parboiled rice works exceptionally well for maintaining ideal texture during baking.

Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with ranch seasoning variations or add smoked paprika for a more complex taste profile that elevates the traditional recipe’s appeal.

Dietary Adaptations: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, and opt for low-fat cheese to accommodate different nutritional needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg