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Slow Cooker Beef and Rice Casserole

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There are certain dishes that embody the very essence of comfort food—meals that are warm, satisfying, and evoke a sense of home. The humble casserole, with its origins tracing back to various European culinary traditions, found its true calling in American kitchens, especially during the 20th century . It became a symbol of practicality and nourishment, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, all-in-one meal. This Slow Cooker Beef and Rice Casserole takes that beloved tradition and elevates it with the convenience of modern slow cooking, delivering a deeply flavorful and incredibly easy dinner that the whole family will love.

  • Total Time: Approximately 3.5 to 8.5 hours
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef & Aromatics:

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil:
  • 1 lb Ground Beef: (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion: Diced.
  • 2 Carrots: Peeled and diced.
  • 2 Celery Stalks: Diced.
  • 3 cloves Garlic: Minced.

For the Rice & Sauce:

  • 2 cups Long-Grain White Rice: Rinsed thoroughly.
  • 4 cups Beef Broth: Low sodium.
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes: Undrained.
  • 1 (8 oz) can Tomato Sauce:
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce:
  • 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning:
  • ½ tsp Smoked Paprika:
  • Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

For Finishing (Optional):

  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Or your favorite cheese.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.

Instructions

  • Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
  • Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet (with a little of the rendered fat or a splash more olive oil), add the diced yellow onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef.
  • Combine in Slow Cooker: Add the thoroughly rinsed long-grain white rice to the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and tomato sauce. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring the rice is mostly submerged in the liquid.
  • Slow Cook: Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender, the rice is cooked through, and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir gently halfway through cooking if possible, especially if cooking on HIGH, to ensure even cooking of the rice and prevent sticking .
  • Add Cheese (Optional): If using, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, or just before serving, and replace the lid to allow it to melt.
  • Serve: Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Fluff with a fork. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Rinse Your Rice: This is a crucial step! Rinsing removes excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming overly sticky or mushy in the slow cooker .
  • Browning Beef: Don’t skip browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables. This step builds a significant amount of flavor that will make a big difference in the final casserole.
  • Preventing Mushy Rice: The liquid-to-rice ratio is important. If your rice tends to get mushy, try reducing the broth by ½ cup. Alternatively, some prefer to cook the rice separately and stir it in at the very end .
  • Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like frozen peas or corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
  • Make Ahead: This casserole is fantastic as leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating, as the rice will continue to absorb liquid.
  • Author: Elle
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3-4 hours (High) or 6-8 hours (Low)
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://slowcookerrecipes.us/slow-cooker-beef-and-rice-casserole/