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Let’s face it – finding simple dinner recipes that please the whole family can feel like solving a puzzle. Between after-school activities, work deadlines, and those nights when you’re just too tired to cook anything complicated, getting a satisfying meal on the table often seems impossible.
That’s why these rice casserole recipes are total game-changers: they’re filling, budget-friendly, and can be prepped ahead of time. Plus, with options ranging from cheesy chicken and broccoli to Mexican-inspired versions, there’s something here that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
Best Casserole Mexicaine Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (or any grain of choice, about 2/3 cup uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 chopped yellow onion
- 1 chopped green bell pepper
- 1 chopped red bell pepper
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground chicken or turkey)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cloves minced garlic (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 cup plain nonfat greek yogurt
- 1 can reduced-fat refried black beans (15 ounces)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (split)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese (split)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces, such as rotel)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Total Time: 45-60 minutes
This Mexican-inspired casserole brings together all the comfort food favorites we love, with a south-of-the-border twist.
Made with seasoned ground beef (or chicken if that’s more your style), two types of melty cheese, and a mix of fresh peppers and onions, all layered with brown rice and refried beans, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser. The Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang that makes every bite just right, while the Rotel tomatoes bring a hint of heat that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Best Ground Turkey Taco Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- 1 diced yellow onion
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 chopped red bell pepper
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa of choice
- 2/3 cup white rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 (7-ounce) can green chilis
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 3 cups shredded colby jack cheese
- 1 sliced ripe avocado
- 3 chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 to 1 cup salsa
Total Time: 65-80 minutes
Easy, filling, and loaded with all the Mexican flavors we love (hello, green chilis!), this ground turkey taco casserole is a real crowd-pleaser.
Made with lean ground turkey, hearty black beans, rice that soaks up all the tasty sauce, and plenty of melty cheese, then topped with fresh avocado and a dollop of sour cream, I’m sure this one-pan dinner will become your new go-to weeknight meal.
Best Mexican Casserole with Beef
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 500 grams (1 lb) lean ground beef
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 2.5 cups (625 ml) low sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (400g/14oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (400g/14oz) black beans, drained (or other beans)
- 1 diced bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (any type that melts)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 3 teaspoons cumin
- 3 teaspoons coriander
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Grab your biggest casserole dish for this crowd-pleasing Mexican dinner. Brown the beef with onions and garlic, then mix in rice, beans, corn and peppers – all in one pan. The combination of everyday spices like cumin, oregano and paprika gives it that south-of-the-border flavor without being too spicy. Top it with plenty of melted cheese and green onions for a filling meal that makes great leftovers. Feel free to swap in different beans or vegetables based on what’s in your pantry.
Delicious Pork Chop and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth, low in sodium
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 thick-cut pork chops with bone (each approximately 1 lb.)
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion-flavored soup or dip mix (alternative seasoning options available)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or basil
Total Time: 90-110 minutes
If you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner that practically cooks itself, this pork chop and rice casserole is just what you need. The rice soaks up all the savory flavors from the mushroom soup and beef broth while the pork chops turn out tender every time. Pro tip: For extra flavor, brown the pork chops quickly before adding them to the casserole – those little browned bits make all the difference.
Easy Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 cup long-grain rice (rinsed)
- 1/2 small onion (diced)
- 1 celery stick (diced)
- 1 to 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
- 10 oz frozen chopped broccoli (thawed)
- 4 oz american processed cheese
- 4 to 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (for cream sauce)
- 8 oz mushrooms (diced)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder (for cream sauce)
- 1 1/2 cups water (for cream sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Total Time: 60-80 minutes
This broccoli cheese rice casserole brings together two family favorites – creamy rice and tender broccoli. The combination of American and sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich, melty sauce that coats every grain of rice. The secret is starting with sautéed onions, celery, and garlic as the flavor base. Adding mushrooms and a homemade cream sauce takes this from a basic side dish to a filling one-pot meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound minced pork
- 1 large chopped onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon dill (dried)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 cup crushed tomato
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large shredded or coarsely chopped cabbage
- 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
Total Time: 75-90 minutes
This casserole takes the work out of traditional cabbage rolls while keeping all the comfort and flavor. The pork and rice cook together with the cabbage in a savory tomato broth, making every bite taste like the inside of a cabbage roll. The dill and paprika add that classic Eastern European warmth, while a layer of melted Monterey Jack cheese on top brings a modern twist. It’s the kind of dish that makes the whole kitchen smell like your grandmother’s house – even if she never made cabbage rolls.
Easy Okra and Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- Non-stick spray
- 1 tablespoon plant-based butter
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper (seeded)
- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3/4 pound okra (sliced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 cup white long-grain rice
- 14 ounces canned petite diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons creole spice blend
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup water
Total Time: 85-105 minutes
This easy okra and rice casserole is comforting, filling, and full of Southern charm. Fresh okra, rice, and diced tomatoes come together with the classic trinity of bell peppers, onions, and celery, all seasoned with a warm Creole spice blend. The rice soaks up all the tasty flavors as it cooks, creating a satisfying one-dish meal.
It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners, and leftovers taste even better the next day for lunch.
Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup cooked and cooled rice
- 2 cups fresh tomato sauce (or marinara sauce or small diced tomatoes)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground caraway seeds
- 1 tsp majoron (or thyme)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 head cabbage, chopped
- 1 tsp whole caraway seeds
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Nonstick spray or olive oil, for baking
- Cheese, for topping (quantity not specified)
Total Time: 80-105 minutes
This hearty stuffed cabbage casserole brings old-world comfort food to your table without the fuss of rolling individual cabbage leaves. Ground pork and rice blend with savory spices like paprika and caraway, while tender cabbage and tomato sauce create layers of homestyle flavor. The melted cheese on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
It’s an ideal make-ahead dinner for busy weeknights, and tastes even better the next day as leftovers for lunch.
Easy Tuna Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 ½ cups milk (separated)
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups shredded aged cheddar cheese
- 3 cans tuna (including the liquid)
- 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups large croutons (opt for gluten-free if required)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cups frozen peas (defrosted)
Total Time: 35-45 minutes
Here’s a cozy casserole that brings together pantry staples for a no-fuss dinner. Mix fluffy basmati rice with creamy cheese sauce and tuna, then top it with buttery croutons for a satisfying crunch. The frozen peas add a pop of green and good nutrition, while the whole dish comes together in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling that the whole family will eat – plus, it makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
Flavorful Mexican Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 rotisserie chicken
- 12 corn tortillas
- Mexican cooked rice
- Creamy chile sauce
- 3 to 4 cups of cheese
- 2 cups of basmati rice
- 4 cups of water (or 3.5 cups if not in arid area)
- 1 small can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp tomato chicken bouillon
- 8 guajillo chiles
- 15 oz mexican cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp mexican oregano
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 chiles de arbol (for spice)
- Chopped lettuce (for topping)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Salsa (for topping)
Total Time: 75-105 minutes
Grab your baking dish and create this cozy Mexican rice casserole that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family. Layer tender rotisserie chicken with corn tortillas, homemade chile sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. The rice gets its rich flavor from tomato sauce, cumin, and bay leaf, while the creamy guajillo chile sauce adds just the right kick. Top it with fresh lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, and your favorite salsa for a dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Hearty Black Eyed Pea Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4-5 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 small chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock (add extra for baking dish if required)
- 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken (optional; refer to notes)
- 4 cups thinly sliced collard greens, stemmed
- 2 cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained (14.5 oz each)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup sliced scallions
Total Time: 45-60 minutes
Get ready for a cozy Southern-inspired casserole that brings together black-eyed peas, brown rice, and collard greens. Cook the bacon until crispy, then use those tasty drippings to sauté onions and garlic before adding the rice and seasonings. Layer in shredded chicken if you’d like, or keep it simple without. The cheese gets nice and melty on top, while the scallions add a fresh finish. It’s the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day, so don’t worry about making too much.
Hearty Rice Casserole with Cream of Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
- Three 10.5-ounce cans of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
- 2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken (such as rotisserie)
- 2 cups frozen vegetable blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon italian herbs
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated (reserve some for topping)
Total Time: 65-75 minutes
This is comfort food at its best – a creamy, cheesy rice casserole that brings together tender chicken, melty cheddar, and vegetables in every bite. The cream of chicken soup creates a rich base while the instant rice keeps prep time short and simple.
You can put this together on a busy weeknight, and it’s even better the next day when the flavors have had time to come together. As one mom told me, “I make a double batch and freeze half – it’s perfect for those nights when cooking feels impossible.”
Serve it with a simple green salad and some warm rolls on the side. It’s the kind of meal that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds, and the leftovers (if there are any!) make a great lunch the next day.
Savory Broccoli Rice Casserole with Cream of Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups of diced cooked chicken)
- 1 teaspoon italian herbs
- Salt/pepper to taste
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups raw broccoli florets
- 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup crushed ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Total Time: 55-70 minutes
Comforting, family-friendly, and loaded with ingredients we all have in our pantry, this broccoli rice casserole is the definition of feel-good cooking.
Made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy soup, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, then topped with buttery Ritz crackers, I bet this casserole will become your new go-to dinner solution. The rice soaks up all those savory flavors, making every bite worth coming back for.
Savory Cabbage Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients:
- 5 cups diced cabbage
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium diced onion
- 2 diced carrots
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 1 – 28oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp. oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
- Grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Total Time: 105-130 minutes
This comforting casserole brings together everyday ingredients in a satisfying one-dish meal. The cabbage softens perfectly while cooking, blending with seasoned ground beef and tender rice. The combination of diced tomatoes and beef broth creates a rich base, while carrots and onions add a natural sweetness. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with familiar aromas and works well for busy weeknights. A sprinkle of cheddar on top adds a nice finishing touch, though it’s just as good without it.
Savory Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds minced beef
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons italian herbs blend
- 3 tablespoons concentrated tomato puree
- 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef stock
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp)
Total Time: 80-90 minutes
Here’s a cozy twist on stuffed peppers that’s way easier than the original. Brown your beef with peppers and onions, then add rice and seasonings right in the same pan – no stuffing required! The beef stock and tomatoes cook the rice to perfection while melted cheddar cheese on top makes it extra comforting. It’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone happy on busy weeknights, and leftovers taste even better the next day.