Grandma’s Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This comforting rice dish combines savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for family dinners, Grandma’s Rice Dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 2 cups cooked long grain rice
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (11 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
• 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, chopped onion, and green pepper over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
2. Step 2: Stir cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), corn, olives, crumbled bacon, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt into the skillet. Heat through, then stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
3. Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a greased 11×7-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese evenly over the top.
4. Step 4: Combine bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder or substitute it with smoked paprika.
• Try adding chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a fresh finish.
• Use turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a lighter variation.
• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans to the breadcrumb topping.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the rice from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef and bacon with cooked beans or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots for more texture.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Absolutely. Prepare the mixture up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Grandma’s Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 131 reviews

Grandma’s Rice Dish is a comforting baked casserole combining ground beef, vegetables, and rice, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and a crispy breadcrumb layer. This hearty and flavorful recipe is perfect for a family dinner, blending savory ingredients with a touch of spice from chili powder and garlic powder.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper

Base Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked long grain rice
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (11 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
• 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Seasonings and Toppings

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1–1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat and Cook Beef Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper until the meat is no longer pink, breaking the beef into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Combine Ingredients: Stir into the cooked beef mixture the cooked long grain rice, undrained diced tomatoes, drained whole kernel corn, drained sliced ripe olives, crumbled bacon strips, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Heat through on the stovetop, then stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the mixture.
3. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 11×7-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. In a small bowl, toss the dry bread crumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese.
4. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. Once done, remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• For a less salty dish, reduce or omit the added salt, considering canned ingredients already contain salt.
• You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Use gluten-free bread crumbs if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: ground beef casserole, rice casserole, baked rice dish, comfort food, cheesy casserole, family dinner recipe