Description
Classic comfort meets wholesome goodness in this hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Simple ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that wraps warmth around hungry families and delivers rich, melted cheese with each savory bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 (454 grams) ground beef, 85% lean
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- ¾ cup onions, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 8 ounces (226 grams) sliced button mushrooms, washed
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- ½ cup milk, any kind
- ½ cup sour cream
- 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles. Season with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Drain excess fat and set meat aside.
- Using the same skillet, melt of butter and sauté diced onions until translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Pour beef broth into the skillet and bring liquid to a rolling boil. Stir in uncooked rice, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Incorporate sliced mushrooms, replace lid, and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until rice absorbs liquid.
- Remove skillet from heat and let rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes to complete cooking process.
- Blend cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, sour cream, and half the shredded cheese into the rice mixture until evenly distributed.
- Transfer casserole mixture to prepared baking dish, sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and edges become golden and bubbly.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Meal Prep Magic: Assemble this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for a stress-free dinner solution.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Choose sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses to intensify the rich, melty flavor profile.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or frozen peas for added nutrition and color.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular mushroom soup for a gluten-free version and use certified gluten-free rice to accommodate dietary needs.
- Leftover Love: This casserole reheats beautifully and keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making excellent next-day lunch.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months, perfect for meal planning and quick future dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg