Get ready for an explosion of flavor with this Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole! This dish is an American classic, offering a delightful mix of hearty ground beef, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice. This cheesy, beefy, and utterly satisfying casserole should definitely be on your dinner rotation.
My husband and our little ones are my biggest critics and fans. And if there’s one recipe that always gets their vote, it’s this Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. This dish has become such a staple in our house that our kids have lovingly named it “Mom’s Magic Casserole”. Every time I take this casserole out of the oven, I’m greeted with smiles, making our family dinners truly magical.
Why This Beef and Cheese Casserole Rocks ?
There are many reasons to love this Beef and Cheese Casserole. For starters, it’s hearty and comforting – the perfect dish for a cold winter night. The ground beef is seasoned with Italian spices, giving it a distinct savory flavor. Add to that the creamy and cheesy elements, and you have a casserole that truly hits all the right notes. But don’t just take my word for it, give it a try and experience the deliciousness yourself!
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (85% lean) – 453.6g (1 lb.)
- Italian seasoning – 1.5 tsp
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
- Butter – 42.5g (3 tbsp), divided
- Onions (diced) – 90g (3/4 cup)
- Garlic (minced) – 1 tbsp
- Beef broth – 590.7 ml (2 1/2 cups)
- White long grain rice (uncooked, not instant) – 296.7 ml (1 1/4 cups)
- Button mushrooms (washed and sliced) – 226.8g (8 oz.)
- Cream of mushroom soup – 298g (10.5 oz.)
- Milk – 118.3 ml (1/2 cup)
- Sour cream – 118.3 ml (1/2 cup)
- Cheddar cheese – 226.8g (2 cups), divided
How to Whip Up This Beef and Cheese Casserole ?
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a sizable pot, cook 1 lb. of 85% lean ground beef over medium-high heat, seasoning with 1.5 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once done, drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then sauté ¾ cup of diced onions until soft.
Add a tablespoon of minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in 2 ½ cups of beef broth, a tablespoon of butter, and 1 ¼ cups of uncooked white long-grain rice. Mix well.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, covering tightly. Allow this to cook for 10 minutes.
Add 8 oz. of sliced button mushrooms, then cover and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes without stirring.
Stir in the ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Cover the dish and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy your delectable Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole!
Notes:
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option. This recipe can also be prepared in advance and frozen, just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen. Remember, the magic of this Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole lies in its simplicity, but feel free to add your personal touches!
The comforting and hearty flavors of this Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole make it an absolute hit with adults and kids alike. It’s versatile, simple to prepare, and incredibly satisfying. Give it a go and see why my family can’t get enough of it!
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I replace the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Can I use different cheese for this casserole?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese instead of cheddar. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack would work well too.
Can this casserole be prepared ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it, freeze it, and just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- Ground beef 85% lean - 453.6g (1 lb.)
- Italian seasoning - 1.5 tsp
- Salt and Pepper - to taste
- Butter - 42.5g 3 tbsp, divided
- Onions diced - 90g (3/4 cup)
- Garlic minced - 1 tbsp
- Beef broth - 590.7 ml 2 1/2 cups
- White long grain rice uncooked, not instant - 296.7 ml (1 1/4 cups)
- Button mushrooms washed and sliced - 226.8g (8 oz.)
- Cream of mushroom soup - 298g 10.5 oz.
- Milk - 118.3 ml 1/2 cup
- Sour cream - 118.3 ml 1/2 cup
- Cheddar cheese - 226.8g 2 cups, divided
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a sizable pot, cook 1 lb. of 85% lean ground beef over medium-high heat, seasoning with 1.5 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once done, drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then sauté ¾ cup of diced onions until soft.
- Add a tablespoon of minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in 2 ½ cups of beef broth, a tablespoon of butter, and 1 ¼ cups of uncooked white long-grain rice. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, covering tightly. Allow this to cook for 10 minutes.
- Add 8 oz. of sliced button mushrooms, then cover and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes without stirring.
- Stir in the ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover the dish and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy your delectable Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole!
Notes
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