Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with Vegetables
A hearty one-pot comfort meal that combines seasoned ground beef with tender vegetables, rice, and melted cheddar cheese. This kitchen sink casserole transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying family dinner with minimal prep work. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, melding flavors together while the rice absorbs the savory tomato broth. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a complete meal ready when you walk through the door. The combination of protein, vegetables, and starch makes this a well-rounded dish that pleases both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 1 white onion, thinly sliced
- 4 medium red potatoes, scrubbed and sliced thin
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 celery stalk, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp butter, sliced
- ½ cup white rice, uncooked
- 10 ounces condensed tomato soup, canned
- 1 ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
- kosher salt, to taste(optional)
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Add onions, potatoes, carrots, and celery to slow cooker and drizzle with olive oil and garlic, then toss to coat vegetables
- 2
Brown ground beef in skillet over medium-high heat and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder
- 3
Stir Worcestershire sauce into browned beef and layer over vegetables in slow cooker
- 4
Add butter slices on top of beef layer
- 5
Sprinkle uncooked rice over beef
- 6
Mix tomato soup with water and pour over rice
- 7
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4 hours
- 8
Uncover and sprinkle cheddar cheese over top
- 9
Turn off slow cooker and keep lid on until cheese melts
Tips
Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking throughout the long slow cooking time.
Don't lift the lid during cooking as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle and cheese to set.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in covered container. Reheat in microwave or oven until heated through.
Can assemble ingredients in slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. Add 30 minutes to cooking time if starting from cold.
Serve hot directly from slow cooker with crusty bread or side salad for complete meal.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip browning the beef to avoid bland flavor and excess grease in final dish
Avoid lifting lid frequently to prevent heat loss and uneven cooking
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, but add them during the last 2 hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy and watery.
What if I don't have condensed tomato soup?
Mix 1 cup tomato sauce with 2 tablespoons flour and use the same amount of water for similar consistency.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they continue to meld together.