Skip to main content

Spicy Rice and Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty and tasty dish that combines rice, lean ground beef, southwest-style veggies and creamy cheddar cheese.
Cooking for a Crowd

Cooking for a Crowd

Use these recipe sheets to prepare for larger groups:

Kid friendly
Casserole dish with rice, beef and vegetables with melted cheddar cheese.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small bell pepper or jalapeño pepper, chopped
1 cup rice, uncooked
2 cups chopped tomato, fresh or canned, with juice
2 cups water
1 Tablespoon chili powder (or more to taste)
1 Tablespoon oregano 
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup (2 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Brown meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees F in an electric skillet). Drain fat (see Notes).
  4. Add onion and peppers and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are soft.
  5. Add rice, tomato, 2 cups water, and spices. Mix well and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add more water if needed.
  7. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try brown rice and simmer for 10 more minutes.
  • If using instant rice, reduce water to 1 cup.
  • Try ground turkey in place of beef.
  • Try adding cilantro on top for more flavor.
  • Pour fat from cooked meat into a metal container. Let it cool, then dispose of it in a garbage can.

Comments

This is a great recipe to keep as a "go-to" for our family!  We have made it many different ways, often with 2 cups of beans instead of the beef, and we have used it to fill tacos or top nachos.  We often serve it with salsa, queso fresco and avocado - staples in our house.

This is perfect for my husband and I. We do the bell pepper, and then he adds hot sauce to his plate because I don't like spicy foods. I like how this is only 10 minutes of prep and while it cooks, you can do the dishes!

A tasty, quick and easy to prepare meal.  I prepared last night for a Parenting Class with adults and youth.  Because I used green bell pepper and had bottled hot sauce available, all could have the level of heat they preferred.  It seemed to be a hit and they liked how simple it was to make. 
 

Good! A little spicy but perfect for winter!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Agua Fresca (Fruit Water)
glass of agua fresca

Agua Fresca (Fruit Water)

Enjoy a refreshing and delicious blended drink made with your favorite fruit. Thanks to the Latin Heritage workgroup for this recipe.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
about 4 cups
Raspberry Fruit Dip
Bowl of yogurt raspberry dip served with sliced apple and pear.

Raspberry Fruit Dip

A sweet and creamy dip that comes together in a few minutes. Perfect for dipping fruit!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
8 Servings
Rice with Black Beans and Sausage
Large dish of a simple rice, sausage and vegetable mix.

Rice with Black Beans and Sausage

A comforting dish of filling grains, tender beans and spicy sausage.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Green Beans with Onions and Almonds
Oval serving dish with tender green beans and toppings.

Green Beans with Onions and Almonds

A healthy vegetable side dish that combines sweet, savory, crunchy and tangy.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Pear and Cranberry Crisp
Baking dish of baked pear and cranberries with an oat topping.

Pear and Cranberry Crisp

Whole grain oats, warm brown sugar and sweet fruit make this a flavorful treat for breakfast or dessert.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Fruit Shake 1 (with yogurt)
Fruit smoothie in a tall glass.

Fruit Shake 1 (with yogurt)

A delicious homemade fruit-flavored shake for breakfast, snack, or on the go!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
5 cups