Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef, 85% lean; 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Salt/Pepper to taste; 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); 8 oz. sliced button mushrooms, washed; 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup milk, any kind; ½ cup sour cream; 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided

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The cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is a classic comfort food dish, combining rich flavors, creamy textures, and a touch of nostalgia. It’s a favorite for busy families because of its easy preparation, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of ground beef, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese creates a hearty and satisfying meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.

This casserole can be made with simple pantry staples, making it budget-friendly. It’s ideal for potlucks, gatherings, or meal prep, as it can be stored and reheated for later use without losing its flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to incorporate additional ingredients like extra vegetables or different cheeses.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s a complete meal in itself. Not only is the casserole filled with delicious layers of beef, creamy mushroom soup, and long grain rice, but it also offers an easy way to feed a crowd with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that is perfect for those nights when you want something warm, filling, and cheesy without spending hours in the kitchen. Try pairing it with a side salad for a balanced meal, or check out other casserole recipe ideas on Pinterest for more inspiration.

Ingredients Breakdown :

Ground Beef

The star of this casserole is ground beef, specifically 85% lean, which strikes the perfect balance between flavor and fat content. Using ground beef that’s not too fatty helps prevent the casserole from becoming greasy while still delivering a rich, savory taste. If you’re looking to switch things up, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as alternatives for a lighter dish. Learn more about the different uses of ground beef in cooking and how it contributes to various recipes.

Italian Seasoning & Basic Seasonings (Salt/Pepper)

Adding Italian seasoning enhances the flavor profile of the casserole by incorporating a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. These herbs bring out the natural flavors of the beef and mushrooms, adding depth to the dish. If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, a simple combination of dried oregano, rosemary, and thyme will suffice. Adjusting the salt and pepper to taste ensures the perfect balance of seasoning. You can read more about the benefits of Italian seasoning in cooking here.

Butter and Onions

Using butter to sauté the onions adds a rich, buttery flavor to the base of the dish. Onions, when cooked until soft and translucent, bring a sweetness that complements the savory beef and earthy mushrooms. The butter also helps carry the flavors of the herbs and seasonings, making the casserole even more flavorful.

Garlic

A small amount of minced garlic adds a sharp, aromatic quality to the casserole. Garlic is crucial for enhancing the savory aspects of the beef and mushroom mixture, and it blends seamlessly with the Italian seasoning to create a flavorful base. Be sure not to overcook it to avoid bitterness.

Beef Broth

Beef broth is the cooking liquid for the rice in this casserole. It adds an extra layer of beefy flavor that plain water wouldn’t provide. The broth helps the rice absorb the essence of the dish and contributes to a moist and flavorful casserole. To explore more about the role of broth in cooking, check out this article on beef broth.

White Long Grain Rice (Uncooked)

The recipe calls for uncooked white long grain rice, which cooks directly in the beef broth. The rice absorbs the savory flavors of the broth, making it tender and flavorful. It’s important to use long grain rice instead of instant rice to ensure the right texture. If you prefer, you could substitute with brown rice, though the cooking time will need to be adjusted. For more on different types of rice, see this guide on rice cooking.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms, especially button mushrooms, are key in adding texture and an earthy flavor to the casserole. When cooked with the rice, they soak up the rich broth and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients. For a variation, you can use cremini or portobello mushrooms, which offer a meatier texture and stronger flavor. For a detailed guide on mushrooms, visit button mushrooms.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of mushroom soup is essential for creating the creamy consistency in the casserole. It acts as a binding agent, bringing together the rice, beef, and cheese. This canned soup is a quick, convenient option, but you can also make a homemade version if you prefer to control the ingredients. Learn more about the role of this versatile soup in dishes at cream of mushroom soup.

Milk and Sour Cream

The combination of milk and sour cream adds extra creaminess to the casserole, enhancing the overall texture. The sour cream also adds a slight tang, balancing out the richness of the cheese and beef. You can use any type of milk, whether whole, 2%, or a non-dairy alternative, depending on your preference.

Cheddar Cheese

Finally, the addition of cheddar cheese is what makes this casserole irresistibly cheesy. Half of the cheese is mixed into the casserole, while the rest is sprinkled on top for that perfectly golden, bubbly finish. If you want a more intense flavor, try using sharp cheddar or mixing it with other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Read more about the history and uses of cheddar cheese in cooking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process :

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Before you begin assembling your casserole, it’s important to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that the casserole cooks evenly right from the start, allowing the ingredients to meld together properly. While waiting for the oven to reach the desired temperature, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking during the baking process. You can use butter, oil, or non-stick spray for greasing the dish. This step ensures easy serving and cleanup later on.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Next, in a large pot, you’ll brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. This step is crucial as it builds the base of flavor for the dish. The beef should be browned evenly, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. While browning, season it with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. This is where the savory notes start to develop, so be sure not to skip the seasoning. Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess grease from the pot. Too much grease can make the casserole heavy and oily, so draining is essential for a balanced dish. Afterward, set the beef aside on a plate, covering it with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the other ingredients.

For those interested in learning more about the browning process and its impact on flavor development, this guide on ground beef offers additional insights.

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the diced onions. Sauté the onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent. Onions are key in adding a natural sweetness to the casserole, balancing out the savory elements of the beef and mushrooms. Once the onions are softened, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Be careful not to cook the garlic too long, as it can burn quickly, turning bitter. This step brings an aromatic quality to the dish, infusing the casserole with a flavorful base.

For a deeper dive into how onions and garlic enhance various dishes, check out this helpful page on Italian seasoning here.

4. Cook Rice in Beef Broth

Once the onions and garlic are cooked, it’s time to add the beef broth. Pour in the 2 ½ cups of beef broth and bring it to a boil over high heat. The beef broth serves as the cooking liquid for the rice, ensuring that the grains absorb all the rich, beefy flavors of the dish. Once the broth is boiling, stir in the uncooked white long grain rice.

Immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pot tightly, and let the rice cook undisturbed for 10 minutes. It’s crucial not to stir the rice while it’s cooking, as stirring can cause it to release too much starch, resulting in a gummy texture. After the initial 10 minutes, add the sliced mushrooms, cover the pot again, and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on the specific cooking instructions for your rice.

For tips on how to cook rice perfectly every time, explore more about rice cooking.

5. Add Mushrooms and Continue Cooking

As mentioned, button mushrooms are added to the rice after the first 10 minutes of simmering. Mushrooms absorb the flavors of the broth while also releasing their own earthy, umami-rich taste into the dish. Adding them at this stage ensures they cook through while maintaining a firm, yet tender texture. This step takes the casserole to a new level by adding both flavor and texture contrast.

You can learn more about the different varieties of mushrooms and their uses by visiting the page on button mushrooms.

6. Let Rice Rest and Finish Cooking

After the rice and mushrooms have cooked, turn off the heat but leave the pot covered. Let the pot sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining moisture and releases it from the bottom of the pot without sticking. It’s a key step to ensure that the rice is perfectly cooked and ready to be combined with the other ingredients without becoming mushy.

7. Combine Beef, Creamy Ingredients, and Cheese

Now that the rice and mushrooms are ready, it’s time to bring the whole casserole together. Stir the cooked ground beef back into the pot with the rice and mushrooms. Next, add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese (1 cup). Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The cream of mushroom soup and sour cream give the casserole its creamy consistency, while the cheddar cheese starts to melt and add richness to the mixture. Be sure to stir until the cheese is fully incorporated and no clumps remain.

For more about the benefits of using cream of mushroom soup in recipes, check out cream of mushroom soup.

8. Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Cheese Topping

Once the mixture is well combined, transfer it to the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, creating a thick, cheesy layer that will melt and turn golden during baking. This cheese topping is essential for achieving the classic, bubbly, and slightly crispy texture that makes casseroles so delicious.

9. Bake Covered and Uncover for Final Cheese Melting

Cover the casserole with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Covering the dish helps retain moisture and ensures the casserole heats through evenly. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. This final step gives the dish that irresistible, gooey, cheesy finish.

Serve the casserole hot, and if you want to add a little extra flair, garnish it with chopped fresh parsley or Italian herbs before serving.

Customization Options and Variations :

Protein Variations :

One of the great things about this cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is its versatility. If you’re looking to switch up the protein, you can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage for a slightly different flavor profile. For those who prefer a lighter meal, ground turkey or chicken works perfectly, providing a leaner option without compromising on flavor. You can also try using shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal prep. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, ground sausage adds a rich, spiced kick to the dish.

Vegetable Additions :

To add more nutrition and texture to the dish, consider including extra vegetables. Bell peppers, spinach, or peas can be easily mixed into the casserole before baking. Sautéing the vegetables along with the onions and garlic helps bring out their flavors and ensures they’re cooked evenly. Bell peppers add a subtle sweetness and crunch, while spinach wilts beautifully into the creamy sauce. For a pop of color and texture, peas are a great addition to the mix.

Different Cheese Options :

While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with different cheeses to elevate the flavor. Try using a combination of cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Monterey Jack. These cheeses melt beautifully, offering a creamier and sometimes smokier flavor. For a spicier kick, consider adding pepper jack cheese, which brings a subtle heat to the dish.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options :

For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be modified to fit gluten-free or dairy-free needs. To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and double-check that your beef broth is gluten-free as well. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the milk, sour cream, and cheddar cheese with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk, coconut cream, or dairy-free cheese.

Serving Suggestions :

Pairing with Side Dishes :

This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is hearty enough to be served as a complete meal, but it can be paired with side dishes to make it even more special. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect way to add a fresh, crisp element to the meal. For a more indulgent option, serve it with garlic bread or homemade dinner rolls. These bread options complement the casserole’s creamy texture by offering a crunchy, buttery side that’s perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.

Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans are also great choices. The freshness of the vegetables balances out the richness of the casserole and adds a nutritional boost. If you’re looking for something lighter, you can even serve the casserole with a side of pickled vegetables to cut through the creaminess with a tangy contrast.

Leftovers and Storage :

This casserole is not only delicious when freshly baked but also holds up well as leftovers. Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave. If you’d like to freeze it, portion out individual servings and store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of milk to maintain its creamy consistency.