Description
Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole, a hearty dish that warms hearts and satisfies hunger. Rich layers of seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese create a perfect one-pan meal that brings families together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef, 85% lean
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3/4 cup onions, diced
Base and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups beef broth
- 1.25 cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant)
- 8 ounces (226 grams) sliced button mushrooms, washed
- 10.5 ounces (298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk, any kind
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, incorporating Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat and set the seasoned meat aside, covering it to retain warmth.
- Using the same skillet, melt butter and gently sauté onions until they become translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute to release its aromatic flavors.
- Pour beef broth into the skillet, bringing the liquid to a gentle boil. Introduce uncooked rice, reduce heat, and cover the pot tightly. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, then fold in mushrooms and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, monitoring rice package instructions for precise timing.
- Remove from heat and allow the rice to rest, covered, for 10 minutes to complete its cooking process and absorb remaining moisture.
- Incorporate the previously cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and well combined.
- Transfer the mixed ingredients to the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a delicious golden layer.
- Shield the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and develops a tempting golden-brown crust.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest briefly. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, then serve hot and enjoy the comforting meal.
Notes
- Customize the ground beef blend by mixing different meat types like turkey or lean beef for varied nutritional profiles.
- Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for reduced sodium and preservative-free option.
- Create gluten-free version by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and checking ingredient labels carefully.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the sautéing stage for increased fiber and vitamins.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg