Creole Beef Casserole

Dive into the bold and comforting flavors of this Creole Beef Casserole, a crowd-pleasing dish inspired by the vibrant cuisine of the South. Packed with ground beef, aromatic vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and celery, and infused with Cajun spices like paprika and cayenne, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory heat and rich, tomato-forward sauce. Layered with tender rice and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this oven-baked casserole is as hearty as it is easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or potluck favorite. Garnished with sliced green onions for a fresh finish, this one-dish wonder is sure to become a family staple. Perfect for anyone searching for comforting casserole recipes, Southern-style dinners, or easy rice-based dishes!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (green or red)
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 stalks green onions, sliced for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 5

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to mix it evenly with the sauce.

Step 6

In a lightly greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spread the cooked ground beef evenly across the bottom. Pour the vegetable and rice mixture over the beef, spreading it out smoothly.

Step 7

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.

Step 8

Remove the casserole from the oven and uncover. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 9

Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1874.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2797.2

Total Fat 160.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 64.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.2g
Cholesterol 450.4mg	0%
Sodium 5127.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 215.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.0g	0%
Total Sugars 30.9g
Protein 131.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1186.4mg	0%
Iron 17.7mg	0%
Potassium 3585.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.0%

Protein: 18.5%

Carbs: 30.5%