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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 13 reviews

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty meal combining savory ground beef, tender rice, and creamy mushroom soup, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners and uses pantry staples for a quick preparation.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Seasoning

  • 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

Dairy and Soup

  • 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 and Liquids

  • 1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant rice)
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking. Once browned, drain the excess grease, transfer beef to a plate, and cover with foil to keep warm.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
  4. Add Rice and Broth: Pour in the beef broth, the remaining butter, and uncooked rice. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Simmer Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot tightly and cook for 10 minutes without stirring.
  6. Add Mushrooms and Continue Cooking: Add the sliced mushrooms on top without stirring. Cover again and cook for 5 to 10 minutes more, according to your rice package instructions, without stirring.
  7. Let Rice Stand: Turn off the heat and leave the pot covered to let the rice stand for 10 minutes. This resting step allows the rice to finish steaming and any stuck rice to release.
  8. Combine Casserole Ingredients: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined.
  9. Prepare for Baking: Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Transfer the combined mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
  10. Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Do not stir the rice during cooking to ensure even texture and prevent mushiness.
  • If preferred, cook the rice separately and use 3 ¾ cups of cooked rice for the casserole.
  • You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  • Use low-fat cheese and cream of mushroom soup to reduce fat content.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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