Alright folks, time for some real talk – this Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the real deal! It’s the perfect comfort food to warm your soul on a chilly day. And the best part? It’s super easy to make! You don’t need any fancy ingredients, just some ground beef, rice, and a few other pantry staples. Trust me, your family is going to love it.
So let’s get started! Brown that beef, sauté those onions, and mix in all those delicious ingredients. And when you add that cheddar cheese on top? Oh my goodness, it’s a cheesy dream come true! Throw it in the oven and let it bake to perfection. You’ll know it’s ready when you can’t resist the smell any longer!
Just imagine – a steaming hot plate of cheesy beef and rice goodness, all melted together in one big casserole dish. Your taste buds will be dancing with joy! Don’t forget to snap a picture before you dig in, because this dish is a true beauty.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and whip up this amazing casserole tonight! You won’t regret it, I promise. And if anyone asks for the recipe, just tell them it’s your secret family recipe (wink, wink). Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef, 85% lean
1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt/Pepper
3 Tablespoons butter, divided
¾ cup onions, diced
1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
2 ½ cups beef broth
1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant rice)
8 oz. sliced button mushrooms, washed
10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk (any kind)
½ cup sour cream
2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions:
Note: This recipe is designed to allow you to prepare all of the casserole ingredients in one pot before transferring to a casserole dish for baking. Before you begin, refer to your rice package for the amount of liquid (beef broth) and cooking time. If preferred, cook the rice separately and skip the beef broth ingredient. You’ll need 3 + 3/4 cups of cooked rice to combine with the other casserole ingredients.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Mix in salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings as the beef cooks.
Drain the grease, transfer the beef to a plate, and cover with foil.
Melt 2 TBS butter in the same pot. Add the diced onions and cook for 5 minutes, until they’re softened.
Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add beef broth, butter, and rice. Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer.
Cover tightly and cook for 10 minutes.
Add the mushrooms, replace the cover, and cook for 5-10 more minutes (refer to rice package for exact cooking time). Don’t stir the rice at any point.
Turn off the heat, leave the cover on, and let it stand for 10 minutes without stirring. Any rice on the bottom of the pot will release.
Add the ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and HALF of the cheese. Stir to combine.
Transfer to a lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Serve!
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful casserole with your loved ones. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!