Description
Comforting cheesy ground beef and rice casserole brings warmth to family dinner tables with its hearty blend of savory meat, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked rice. Guaranteed to satisfy hunger and create smiles, you’ll love this simple yet delicious meal that feels like a culinary hug.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef 85% lean
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 0.75 cup onions diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 8 ounces (8 oz) sliced button mushrooms
Liquid Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups beef broth
- 0.5 cup milk
- 0.5 cup sour cream
Grains:
- 1.25 cups uncooked white long grain rice
Dairy and Soup:
- 10.5 ounces (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups cheddar cheese divided
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a warm environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, thoroughly brown the ground beef, infusing it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to develop rich flavor profiles.
- Meticulously drain excess grease from the beef, transferring it to a covered plate to maintain warmth while preparing subsequent components.
- Melt butter in the same pot, sautéing diced onions until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to enhance aromatic depth.
- Incorporate beef broth, remaining butter, and rice into the pot, ensuring complete coating and integration of ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and develop tender consistency.
- Gently fold in sliced mushrooms, replacing the lid and continuing to cook for 5-7 minutes, enabling mushrooms to release their natural moisture.
- Remove from heat, allowing the rice to rest, covered, for 10 minutes to complete cooking through residual steam.
- Reunite the cooked beef with the rice mixture, blending cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half the cheddar cheese until uniformly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, distributing evenly and crowning with remaining cheese for maximum flavor coverage.
- Shield the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes, transforming the ingredients into a harmonious, bubbling ensemble.
- Allow the casserole to cool briefly after removing from the oven, then serve and savor the comforting, cheesy masterpiece.
Notes
- Customize your protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Enhance the dish’s nutrition by mixing in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini during the cooking process.
- Control the dish’s richness by using low-fat cheese and reduced-sodium broth for a healthier take without compromising flavor.
- Make it ahead by preparing the casserole up to the baking stage, then refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking, which can help develop deeper flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg