Dump-and-Bake Ground Beef Casserole with Rice
User Reviews
5
Dump-and-Bake Ground Beef Casserole with Rice
Description
The casserole starts by crumbling extra lean ground beef into a baking dish followed by diced tomatoes, condensed tomato soup, beef broth, rosemary, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and seasoning. Uncooked long grain white rice is added, then the dish is covered tightly with foil and baked at 375°F (190°C) for about 60-75 minutes until the rice fully cooks through and absorbs the liquid. Toward the end, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses are sprinkled on top and melted uncovered. Fresh parsley or basil can be added as garnish.
The casserole offers a cohesive combination of savory and mild Italian-style herbs with the beef and slightly tangy tomato base. Breaking up the raw beef before baking ensures even cooking and distribution. The rice's cooking time depends on dish material, requiring observation near the end to avoid overcooking.
This dish suits dinner meals where a filling, oven-baked casserole is desired without separate cooking steps for meat and rice. It can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for balance.
For best results, use extra lean ground beef to prevent excess grease; otherwise brown and drain fattier beef before assembling. Variations can include substituting other ground meats or swapping condensed tomato soup for a creamy version for a richer texture. Avoid immediate substitutions of rice type as cooking times vary significantly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef extra lean (at least 96% or 97% lean
- 1 (28 ounce) diced tomatoes canned, drained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) condensed tomato soup not diluted
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced, fresh
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning dried
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- salt to taste, about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper
- black pepper to taste, about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- parsley Optional garnish, fresh chopped
- basil Optional garnish, fresh chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a large baking dish (about 9 x 13 inches) with cooking spray.
- In the prepared dish (or in a large bowl), use your fingers to crumble uncooked ground beef into small pieces. Add tomatoes, tomato soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 60-75 minutes (or until the rice is tender). During the final 5 minutes of cooking, remove dish from oven, uncover, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Place back in the oven (uncovered) for the final 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Use 96% or 97% extra lean ground beef to minimize greasiness since the meat cooks in the casserole without draining.
- If using meat with higher fat content, brown and drain the meat before mixing into the casserole.
- Cooking time varies by dish material; start checking for doneness around 55 minutes to prevent overcooked rice.
- Substitute ground chicken breast or white meat turkey breast if preferred.
- Break up raw ground beef evenly before baking to ensure it cooks thoroughly and mixes well.
- Do not substitute brown or instant rice in this recipe as their cooking times and liquid requirements differ.
- For a creamier dish, replace condensed tomato soup with condensed cream of mushroom or other condensed cream soups.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4- 6 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 3302 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/6 of the casserole | |
| Calories | 330.2kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 37.9g | 13% |
| Protein | 26.8g | 54% |
| Fat | 6.7g | 10% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g | 13% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1.1g | 6% |
| Cholesterol | 13.6mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 1231.3mg | 51% |
| Potassium | 266.5mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1.6g | 6% |
| Sugar | 9.2g | 18% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.