Skip to main content

Spicy Rice and Ground Beef Casserole

A hearty and tasty dish that combines filling 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)

Harissa Roasted Butternut Squash
Wooden bowl of seasoned butternut squash, pumpkin seeds and fresh herbs.

Harissa Roasted Butternut Squash

Delicious roasted squash, drizzled with agave and lemon and topped with nuts and seeds.
Prepare:
25 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Winter Fruit Crisp
Plate of baked sliced apples with a sweet granola topping.

Winter Fruit Crisp

Quick and easy treat with warm buttery oats, sweetened with brown sugar.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
8 Bars (4 inches x 2 inches)
Blueberry Crisp
A dish of baked blueberries with a golden oat topping.

Blueberry Crisp

This low-sugar dessert is made with whole-grain oats, warm cinnamon spice and sweet berries. More berries than topping lets the fruit shine!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Pineapple Carrot Protein Smoothie
Glass filled with a thick orange smoothie.

Pineapple Carrot Protein Smoothie

Enjoy this high-protein smoothie for a quick meal or to re-fuel after exercise. Make it your own with different fruits and vegetables.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cups
Eggplant Dip
Eggplant dip garnished with parsley served with a vegetable and cracker plate.

Eggplant Dip

Creamy, smoky and garlicky, with a pop of tangy lemon. A great way to enjoy eggplant!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ Cups
Zucchini Salad
Bowl of seasoned zucchini and red onion slices.

Zucchini Salad

Quick and tasty side with fresh vegetables, herbs and a lemon dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.