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