Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

If you are looking for a simple yet satisfying meal that doesn’t take a long time to prepare, then this Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole recipe is perfect for you. Ground beef, that has been seasoned with dry Ranch seasoning, is tossed with cooked white rice, vegetables and cheese and poured into a small casserole dish.

However, before it goes in the oven more shredded cheese is sprinkled over the top. Then in only 15 minutes the cheese will melt, turn bubbly and your dinner is ready!

Once you serve it you will see the colorful mix of ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and bright green peas below the cheese. When you take your first bite you will be shocked at how flavorful and delicious this simple meal tastes.

In fact it is hard to believe that something that tastes this good can be made so quickly. That is why I love to make this on those busy weeknights when I don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

And if I really wanted to make it even faster, I can do a little meal prepping and have it ready for the oven in only 5 minutes. And who couldn’t use a quick and easy meal like that?

Best of all, you can customize this recipe to fit your taste and dietary needs. By switching up a few ingredients you will never get tired of this recipe!

Ingredients and Common Substitutions

Ground Beef: The base of this casserole is lean ground beef. However, if you’re looking to cut down on fat and calories, you could use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative. You can even use plant based crumbles and make this dish vegetarian.

I have also used ground sausage in this recipe for a more robust flavor. Just be sure that if you use a leaner alternative you will need to add oil to the skillet to prevent the meat from sticking.

The Vegetables

White Onion and Bell Peppers: These vegetables add a nice crunch and a touch of sweetness to the Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef Casserole. If you don’t have white onion, yellow or red onions are great substitutes. For the bell peppers, you can use any color you have on hand or even substitute with diced zucchini or carrots for a different twist.

Frozen Peas: Peas add a pop of color and sweetness to the dish. I prefer to use frozen peas when cooking for two as I can easily portion out what I need and then return the bag to the freezer.

Although, if you don’t like peas you can leave them out or opt for a different vegetable. I have used both corn and green beans and they both work great in this recipe.

Dry Ranch Seasoning

Dry Ranch Seasoning: This is the key ingredient that gives the dish its distinctive flavor. If you don’t have a packet of dry ranch seasoning, you can make your own mix using dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper.

However, I prefer to buy the Ranch seasoning in the plastic container. That way I never waste a half of an unused packet.

The Other Ingredients

Cooked Long Grain White Rice: No good casserole is complete without some sort of a starch. And this recipe calls for cooked long grain white rice. However, because you are adding already cooked rice you can use brown rice, cauliflower rice or even quinoa.

Chicken Broth: To prevent the casserole from drying out use a little chicken broth. You could also use vegetable broth or beef broth if you prefer. Just make sure to choose a low-sodium option to keep the dish from becoming too salty.

Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The cheese brings everything together with its creamy texture. You can switch up the variety of cheese that you use to whatever you like or have in the house.

How To Serve Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef Casserole

This Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef Casserole is a complete meal in itself. Serve it on a plate or in a shallow bowl and either eat it with a fork or spoon.

However, if you want to make the meal stretch further serve it with a salad, fruit, or steamed vegetables. Then you could likely get 4-5 servings from this recipe.

If you need to store leftovers be sure to let the casserole cool completely. Then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the microwave with a few drops of water until warmed through.

Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 pound lean ground beef (*see note)
• 1/4 cup diced white onion
• 1/4 cup diced sweet or green bell peppers
• 1/2 packet of dry Ranch seasoning
• 1 cup cooked long grain white rice
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 3/4 cup chicken broth, low sodium
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Optional Ingredient:

• green onion, sliced

*Note – Because you will most likely purchase a 1 pound package of ground beef, use the other half to make Stuffed Pepper Casserole, Easy Pizza Casserole, or Cajun Beef Casserole.

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 x 8 inch baking dish and set aside. (Product Affiliate Link: 8 x 8 inch baking dish).

In a medium size skillet placed over medium-high heat add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spatula, until half of the meat is brown in color.

Add the diced onion and diced peppers to the skillet and continue to cook until the meat is no longer pink. Drain and return the meat mixture back into the skillet.

Turn the heat down to medium and add the dry Ranch seasoning mix and stir until the dry mix is no longer visible. Stir in the chicken broth, cooked white rice and peas until well incorporated.

Add 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts and some of the liquid evaporates.

Transfer the contents to an 8 x 8 inch baking dish and smooth out the top. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef Casserole from the oven and let it sit for 3-4 minutes before serving.

Garnish with diced green onions or chives (optional) and serve warm.

There you have it, an easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for dinner for two. With the adaptability of ingredients, this casserole is bound to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

Enjoy! Mary

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