Acadian Beef Casserole

Warm, hearty, and bursting with comforting Cajun flavors, this Acadian Beef Casserole is the ultimate one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Featuring tender ground beef, aromatic vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and celery, and perfectly seasoned long-grain rice cooked in a rich blend of beef broth, diced tomatoes, and spices, this casserole delivers bold flavors with every bite. A touch of paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper gives it a subtle kick, while the baked finish creates a warm, slightly crisp topping that brings it all together. Ready in just over an hour with minimal prep, this satisfying and easy-to-make dish feeds a crowd and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or buttery cornbread. Don’t forget the optional garnish of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, canned
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it down into crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Step 9

Carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to crisp up slightly.

Step 10

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your Acadian Beef Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2068.3 grams (2068.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2002

Total Fat 84.90g	109%
Saturated Fat 33.50g	168%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 321mg	107%
Sodium 5158mg	224%
Total Carbohydrate 210.30g	76%
Dietary Fiber 18.10g	65%
Total Sugars 27.70g
Protein 105.50g	211%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 362mg	28%
Iron 17mg	94%
Potassium 3705mg	79%

*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: 37.7%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 41.5%