Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

My grandma’s hearty beef and rice casserole always sparks memories of cozy Sunday dinners.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients blend perfectly together.

Weeknight meals demand something quick yet satisfying, and this recipe delivers deliciousness in every single bite.

Comfort food doesn’t get more straightforward than this soul-warming dish.

Ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Rich, savory flavors mingle beautifully with tender meat and fluffy rice.

Rush to the kitchen and start cooking, you won’t regret this delectable adventure.

Why Beef and Rice Casserole Is a Weeknight Win

• Comfort Food Champion: A hearty, satisfying dish that warms your soul and brings instant comfort with its rich, creamy texture and savory beef flavor.
• One-Pot Dish: Simplifies cooking by using minimal cookware, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Packed with familiar ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love and enjoy together.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and pantry staples, making it an economical option for feeding a hungry family without breaking the bank.

What You Need for Beef and Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat for the casserole base.

• Butter: Creamy and flavorful fat for cooking.
• Sour Cream: Tangy and smooth ingredient for richness.
• Milk: Smooth liquid for adding creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty topping for extra flavor.

• Onions: Sweet and aromatic base vegetable.
• Garlic: Pungent and aromatic seasoning.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and tender vegetable.
• Italian Seasoning: Herbal blend for classic flavor.
• Salt: Basic seasoning for enhancing taste.
• Black Pepper: Spicy seasoning for depth.

• Beef Broth: Savory liquid for cooking rice.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy and rich sauce ingredient.

• Uncooked Rice: Staple grain for the casserole base.

How to Make Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Warm your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting ready for a delightful cooking adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle The Beef

In a large pot, brown ground beef over medium-high heat.

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Drain away any extra grease and set beef aside.

Step 3: Dance With Onions And Garlic

Melt butter in the same pot.

Toss in diced onions and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Create A Flavorful Base

Pour in beef broth, add remaining butter and uncooked rice.

Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Mushroom Magic

Spread sliced mushrooms on top of rice without stirring.

Cover and cook 5-10 more minutes until rice becomes tender.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Remove pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Mix And Blend

• Cooked beef
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Half of cheddar cheese

Step 8: Prepare For Baking

Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 casserole dish.

Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.

Step 10: Serve And Savor

Pull out your delicious creation and serve immediately.

Enjoy your homemade comfort meal!

Cooking Tips for Best Flavor and Texture

• Remove all excess grease to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more appetizing dish.
• Select firm, unblemished mushrooms for maximum flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Placing mushrooms on top of rice without stirring helps retain their texture and prevents them from becoming mushy during cooking.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or a cheese blend to personalize the casserole's flavor profile.
• Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking to help ingredients settle and make cutting and serving easier.

How to Keep Beef and Rice Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, storing for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through completely.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Great Sides for Beef and Rice Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, savory beef and creamy cheese flavors in the casserole.
• Create Fresh Green Salad Side: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole and add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the dish's creamy texture.
• Serve Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Prepare herb-roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus to provide a nutritious and colorful accompaniment that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Pour Craft Beer Alongside: Choose a malty amber ale or smooth brown ale that matches the casserole's richness and provides a complementary depth of flavor.

Customizations for Beef and Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted cauliflower for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain the rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap regular rice with quinoa or brown rice. Choose gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Mexican-Inspired Casserole: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese. Include optional jalapeños for extra heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli. Reduce milk quantity and increase cream cheese for a richer texture while keeping carbohydrate content minimal.

FAQs

• Why use uncooked rice in this recipe?

Uncooked rice absorbs the liquid and flavors during cooking, creating a more infused and rich taste throughout the casserole. It also helps the rice cook perfectly with the other ingredients.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as alternatives. They provide similar texture and can be seasoned similarly to maintain the dish’s flavor profile.

• What type of mushrooms work best for this casserole?

Button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are ideal because they have a mild flavor and hold up well during cooking. They blend seamlessly with the other ingredients without overpowering the dish.

• How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Follow the recipe’s layering technique carefully. Do not stir the rice while it’s cooking, and let it rest covered after cooking to absorb remaining moisture. This ensures perfectly cooked, fluffy rice in the casserole.

Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole brings comfort and warmth to family dinner tables with its rich, savory layers of seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice. Melted cheese crowns this classic dish, promising a satisfying meal that delivers delicious nostalgia in each comforting bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Beef Base:

• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 3/4 cup onions, diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups uncooked long grain white rice
• 8 ounces sliced button mushrooms
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

1. Prepare a flavorful, comforting casserole that combines hearty ground beef with creamy rice and melted cheese.
2. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect environment for baking the casserole.
3. Sizzle ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, infusing it with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for robust flavor.
4. Eliminate excess grease from the beef, then set aside the seasoned meat.
5. In the same pot, melt butter and sauté diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
6. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly to release its aromatic essence.
7. Pour beef broth into the pot, add remaining butter and uncooked rice, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
8. Reduce heat, cover the pot, and allow the rice to simmer, absorbing the flavorful liquid.
9. Arrange sliced mushrooms atop the rice without stirring, and continue cooking until the rice reaches tender perfection.
10. Remove from heat and let the mixture rest, allowing flavors to meld and rice to fully absorb the liquid.
11. Fold in the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese, creating a rich, creamy mixture.
12. Transfer the decadent blend to a greased 9×13 casserole dish, ensuring even distribution.
13. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty crust.
14. Shield the casserole with foil and bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, irresistible topping.
15. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving, letting the flavors settle and intensify.
16. Plate and savor this comforting, homemade beef and rice casserole that promises to delight everyone at the table.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp, clean flavor profile.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning according to personal taste preferences.
• For a lighter version, swap full-fat dairy with Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cheese without compromising creamy texture.
• Create gluten-free options by using alternative thickeners like cornstarch instead of cream of mushroom soup and checking seasoning blend ingredients.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 466
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 837 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 84 mg