The Perfect Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort comes alive in this cheesy ranch ground beef and rice casserole that promises pure deliciousness.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly for a meal everyone craves.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with minimal prep work.

Ranch seasoning adds a zesty kick that transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Creamy cheese melts perfectly over tender rice and savory beef, creating layers of mouthwatering flavor.

Families will devour this one-pan wonder faster than you can say “seconds, please!” You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next cozy meal.

Tips To Make Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Even Better

• Swap Meats Easily: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish versatile and diet-friendly.
• Boost Vegetable Variety: Customize the frozen mixed vegetables by adding fresh chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value and add extra color and texture.
• Control Seasoning Intensity: Adjust ranch seasoning mix quantity to suit personal taste preferences, reducing sodium for health-conscious diners or adding extra for bolder flavor profiles.
• Perfect Rice Technique: Slightly toast rice in the skillet before adding liquids to enhance nutty flavors and prevent soggy texture, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy.

Tasty Twists For Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace white rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the same hearty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Ranch Alternative: Use gluten-free ranch seasoning mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for individuals with dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the casserole's texture and nutritional value while creating a meat-free meal.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Adaptation: Swap cheddar cheese with crumbled feta, add oregano and diced bell peppers, and use brown rice for a Mediterranean-style transformation of the original recipe.

Perfect Pairings For Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Pair Zesty Ranch Beef Casserole with Crisp Complementary Companions
• Elevate Tangy Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light mixed green salad with cucumber slices and a zesty buttermilk ranch dressing to mirror the casserole's ranch flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Boost Robust Red Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the hearty beef and cuts through the richness of the cheesy casserole.
• Cool Creamy Beverage Companion: Serve chilled buttermilk or a light craft beer with citrus notes to balance the casserole's savory profile and cleanse the palate between bites.

How To Store Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Like A Pro

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap casserole portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label container with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming and prevent cold spots.

FAQs About Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have ranch seasoning mix?

You can use taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or create a homemade blend using dried herbs like dill, parsley, chives, and garlic powder.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked later. It also stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick meals during the week.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or use extra firm tofu. Swap beef broth for vegetable broth to maintain the recipe’s savory flavor profile.

Why Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Is A Creamy Crowd-Pleaser

• Simplify Meal Prep: Combine ground beef, rice, and vegetables in one skillet, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious cooking time.
• Boost Family Comfort: Create a hearty, satisfying casserole packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness that appeals to all ages.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out vegetables or cheese types to match family preferences, making this recipe adaptable for picky eaters or dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline cooking by preparing the entire dish in a single skillet before transferring to the oven, minimizing dish washing and kitchen chaos.

Everything You’ll Need For Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Onions, Ranch Seasoning Mix, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Salt: These ingredients add depth, savory notes, and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• White Rice: Adds substance and helps create a filling meal.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Provides nutritional balance and colorful variety to the casserole.
• Beef Broth, Milk: Create a moist and rich cooking liquid that helps cook the rice and blend flavors.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, sharp topping that melts beautifully and provides a golden finish to the casserole.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole doesn't stick to the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How To Cook Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Step By Step

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and cook ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Spices

• Ranch seasoning mix
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Stir to coat meat and onions completely with spices.

Step 3: Toast Rice and Add Liquid

Mix white rice into beef mixture, stirring to lightly toast the grains. Pour in beef broth and milk, combining everything smoothly.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Fold frozen mixed vegetables into the skillet, distributing them evenly throughout the beef and rice blend.

Step 5: Prepare Casserole Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer skillet contents into the dish, spreading in an even layer.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake and Rest

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.

Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy ranch ground beef and rice casserole delivers comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, offering a satisfying meal that brings families together at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups white rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup milk

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light cooking spray coating.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Add diced onions to the beef and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt, thoroughly coating the meat and onions with the spices.
5. Incorporate the white rice into the beef mixture, ensuring each grain is well-distributed and slightly toasted.
6. Pour beef broth and milk into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients and create a cohesive mixture.
7. Fold in the frozen mixed vegetables, distributing them evenly throughout the beef and rice.
8. Transfer the entire skillet contents into the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture in an even layer.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden and rice is tender.
12. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting ranch seasoning or adding a dash of cayenne for spice lovers.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor profile.
• Prep vegetables ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg