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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.3 from 51 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, tender rice, mushrooms, and rich cheese in a creamy sauce. The recipe allows for cooking the rice and beef mixture in one pot before baking it in the oven for a deliciously cheesy golden top. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole offers a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and delightful flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasonings

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

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • ¾ cup onions, diced
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 8 oz. sliced button mushrooms, washed

Liquids and Dairy

  • 2 ½ cups beef broth
  • 3 Tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 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

  1. Preparation Note: Check your rice package for exact liquid amounts and cooking time. Alternatively, cook the rice separately and prepare about 3 ¾ cups of cooked rice for the casserole.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
  3. Brown Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking for enhanced flavor.
  4. Drain and Set Aside: Drain excess grease from the beef. Transfer the meat to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  6. Add Broth, Butter, and Rice: Pour in the beef broth, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, and stir in the uncooked rice until well combined.
  7. Simmer Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  8. Cover and Cook: Cover the pot tightly and allow the rice to cook for 10 minutes without stirring.
  9. Add Mushrooms and Continue Cooking: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot, re-cover, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes according to your rice package instructions. Avoid stirring the rice during this process.
  10. Let it Rest: Turn off the heat, keep the pot covered, and let the rice stand for 10 minutes so the rice on the bottom can release naturally.
  11. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese until fully incorporated.
  12. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Top evenly with the remaining cheddar cheese.
  13. Bake: Cover the casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
  14. Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. Enjoy your cheesy and satisfying ground beef and rice casserole!

Notes

  • Use long grain white rice for best texture; avoid instant rice as it alters cooking times.
  • Do not stir the rice while it is cooking to prevent a gummy texture.
  • If preferred, cooking rice separately allows more precise control over the rice texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 3 days.
  • To make this dish creamier, you can add more sour cream or a splash of heavy cream when combining the ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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