Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal that combines savory beef, tender rice, and creamy cheese for a satisfying dish. It’s easy to prepare using just one pot before baking, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 Tablespoons butter (divided)
- ¾ cup onions, diced
- 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant)
- 8 oz. sliced button mushrooms, washed
- 10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk (any kind)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (divided)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as it cooks. Drain any grease, then transfer the beef to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Step 3: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Step 4: Pour in the beef broth, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, and stir in the uncooked rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 10 minutes without stirring.
- Step 5: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot, cover again, and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, or according to your rice package’s instructions. Do not stir the rice during cooking.
- Step 6: Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes to finish absorbing the liquid.
- Step 7: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Step 8: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 9: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- If you prefer, cook the rice separately and use about 3 ¾ cups of cooked rice to combine with the other ingredients.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for extra gooeyness.
- Fresh mushrooms can be swapped for canned, but fresh provide better texture and flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant rice for this casserole?
It’s best to use uncooked long grain rice as the recipe timing and liquid amounts are designed for that. Instant rice will cook too quickly and may result in a mushy texture.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. Just add a little extra baking time if baking from cold.
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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Ground beef is browned and seasoned, then combined with rice cooked in beef broth, sautéed onions, mushrooms, and a creamy mushroom soup mixture. Finished with sour cream and cheddar cheese, it’s baked until bubbly and golden, creating a rich, flavorful casserole everyone will love.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- ¾ cup onions, diced
- 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
- 8 oz. sliced button mushrooms, washed
Dairy and Liquids
- 3 Tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk (any kind)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (divided)
Grains
- 1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant rice)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking to enhance flavor. Once cooked, drain excess grease, transfer to a plate, and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pot. Add diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Liquids and Rice: Pour in beef broth along with remaining butter and uncooked rice. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot tightly and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the rice to begin absorbing the liquid.
- Add Mushrooms and Continue Cooking: Add sliced mushrooms atop the rice without stirring. Cover and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, referring to your rice package instructions for precise timing, ensuring the rice cooks properly without being disturbed.
- Let Rice Stand: Turn off the heat and leave the pot covered for 10 minutes. This resting time lets the rice finish cooking through residual heat and loosens any rice stuck to the bottom.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: Add the cooked ground beef back to the pot along with cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir gently to combine all components evenly.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Pour the mixture into the dish and then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot, enjoying a creamy, cheesy casserole full of comforting flavors.
Notes
- For best results, do not stir the rice while it cooks to avoid a gummy texture.
- If preferred, cook the rice separately and skip the beef broth to control rice cooking better. Use about 3 ¾ cups of cooked rice for the casserole.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to use any type of milk, including dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: ground beef casserole, cheesy rice casserole, comforting dinner, one pot meal, mushroom soup casserole
