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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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3.9 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal combining perfectly cooked rice with savory ground beef, mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce all baked to golden perfection. It's ideal for a family dinner that satisfies both taste buds and hunger with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Beef and Seasoning

  • 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Aromatics and Dairy

  • 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • ¾ cup onions (diced)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk (any kind)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese (divided)

Grains and Vegetables

  • 2 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant rice)
  • 8 oz. sliced button mushrooms (washed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients and Preheat Oven: Start by reviewing your rice package instructions for liquid and cooking time recommendations. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking later.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as it cooks. Drain excess grease, transfer the beef to a plate, and cover with foil to keep warm.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onions and cook for approximately 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
  4. Cook the Rice: Add the beef broth, remaining butter, and uncooked rice to the pot. Stir to combine, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 10 minutes.
  5. Add Mushrooms and Finish Cooking Rice: Add sliced mushrooms without stirring, cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes according to rice package instructions. Avoid stirring the rice during this time to achieve perfect texture.
  6. Let Rice Stand: Turn off the heat and leave the pot covered for 10 minutes to allow any rice at the bottom to loosen and fully absorb the liquid.
  7. Combine Casserole Ingredients: Stir the cooked ground beef back into the pot along with cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well until fully incorporated.
  8. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Cover the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm for a comforting and cheesy meal that serves six.

Notes

  • You can cook the rice separately if preferred, using approximately 3¾ cups of cooked rice instead of the beef broth method.
  • Do not stir the rice during the cooking process in the pot to promote even cooking and prevent mushiness.
  • Feel free to substitute milk type based on dietary preferences, such as using skim, almond, or oat milk.
  • For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheddar cheese.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesbyleila.com/cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe/