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:

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

Green Pea Soup
Bowl of creamy Green Pea soup.

Green Pea Soup

Warm and comforting pea soup - perfect for the cold weather.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
French Toast
Plates of French Toast dusted with powdered sugar.

French Toast

A breakfast classic, packed full of cinnamon. Top with your favorite fruits or sauces.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 slices
Glass of Sunshine Flavored Water
Pitcher of ice water with orange wedges.

Glass of Sunshine Flavored Water

Easy, homemade flavored water. So refreshing!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
0
Makes:
8 cups
Split Pea Salad
Bowl with a vibrant mix of split peas, tomato and parsley.

Split Pea Salad

Tender split peas and fresh tomatoes and herbs make a light and tasty salad perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and picnics!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Pinto Bean Dip
Bean dip topped with jalapeno peppers served with baby carrots.

Pinto Bean Dip

A quick and easy bean dip that comes together in 5 minutes.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 ¼ cups
Roasted Honey Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Bowl of seasoned and browned brussels sprout halves.

Roasted Honey Mustard Brussels Sprouts

Sweet and savory roasted Brussels sprouts with sweet honey and tangy mustard. Only 5 ingredients!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
2 Cups
Was this page helpful to you?