Are you looking for a comforting and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than cheesy ground beef and rice casserole. This classic dish is a staple in many households for good reason – it’s delicious, filling, and can be customized to your liking.
To make this dish, you’ll need ground beef, rice, cheese, and a few other simple ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can add vegetables, swap out the type of cheese, or even use a different protein like ground turkey or chicken. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup for you.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef, 85% lean
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt/Pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3/4 cup onions, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/4 cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant)
- 8 oz. sliced button mushrooms, washed
- 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk, any kind
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper while cooking. Once browned, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside on a plate, covered with foil.
3. In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the diced onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the beef broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 10 minutes. Add the mushrooms, cover again, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes (check your rice package for exact times). Do not stir during cooking.
5. After cooking, turn off the heat but leave the pot covered and allow it to sit for 10 minutes; the rice will finish cooking and release from the bottom of the pot.
6. Stir in the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired. Enjoy your creamy and cheesy beef and mushroom rice bake!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have made this delicious Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, it’s time to serve it up for your family and friends. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable:
- Serve with a side salad: A fresh side salad is the perfect complement to this casserole. Consider a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad.
- Add some veggies: For an extra boost of nutrition, add some vegetables to your casserole. Broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini are all great options.
- Top with fresh herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some fresh herbs over the top of your casserole. Parsley, basil, and chives all work well.
- Pair with a glass of red wine: A rich, full-bodied red wine is the perfect pairing for this hearty casserole. Consider a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah.
- Serve with garlic bread: Nothing complements a cheesy casserole like warm, garlicky bread. Consider making your own garlic bread or picking up a fresh loaf from your local bakery.
With these serving suggestions, you can take your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole to the next level and impress your guests with a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Once you have made your delicious Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, you may be wondering how best to store and reheat it. Here are some tips to help you keep your leftovers fresh and tasty:
- Store your casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store it for longer, consider freezing it (see below).
- When reheating, it’s best to use an oven or toaster oven to maintain the texture and flavor of the casserole. Preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the casserole with foil. Reheat for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
- If you need to freeze your casserole, make sure it has cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the reheating instructions above.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for days to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need for a cheesy ground beef and rice casserole?
To make a cheesy ground beef and rice casserole, you will need ground beef, rice, cheese, onions, garlic, and some seasonings. You can also add in other ingredients such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or celery to add more flavor and nutrients to the dish.
How long does it take to prepare and cook a beef and rice casserole?
The preparation time for a beef and rice casserole varies depending on the recipe, but it typically takes around 30 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 30-40 minutes to bake in the oven. Make sure to check the recipe for specific instructions.
Can I make a beef and rice casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make a beef and rice casserole in a slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef and onions before adding them to the slow cooker with the rice, seasonings, and other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted.
What are some healthier alternatives for ingredients in a beef and rice casserole?
To make a healthier version of a beef and rice casserole, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey instead of regular ground beef. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients. Additionally, you can use low-fat cheese or skip the cheese altogether to reduce the calorie and fat content.
How can I add a ranch flavor to my beef and rice casserole?
To add a ranch flavor to your beef and rice casserole, you can mix in some ranch dressing or seasoning mix with the ground beef and rice before baking. You can also top the casserole with some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added flavor.
What are some tips for making a creamy hamburger and rice casserole?
To make a creamy hamburger and rice casserole, you can add some cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup to the recipe. You can also mix in some sour cream or cream cheese for added creaminess. Additionally, you can top the casserole with some crushed potato chips or bread crumbs for added texture.
