Description
Hearty Cheesy Beef and Rice Delight brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners with its rich, savory blend of ground beef, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned rice. Families will savor each satisfying bite of this simple yet delicious one-pan meal that promises warmth and happiness on your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef, 85% lean
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ¾ cup onions, diced
Base and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant rice)
- 8 ounces (227 grams) sliced button mushrooms, washed
- 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk, any kind
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Warm the kitchen oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, creating an ideal environment for baking the hearty casserole.
- In a spacious cooking vessel, transform the ground beef into a rich, browned foundation. Season generously with aromatic herbs and spices, then carefully eliminate excess fat. Transfer the meat to a temporary holding plate.
- Within the same cooking pot, melt butter until it shimmers. Introduce diced onions, allowing them to soften and release their sweet essence. Incorporate minced garlic, letting its pungent aroma permeate the mixture.
- Pour beef broth into the pot, complementing it with an additional butter pat and uncooked rice. Encourage the liquid to reach a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the grains absorb the flavorful liquid.
- Gently fold mushrooms into the rice, maintaining the protective lid. Continue cooking until the rice reaches perfect tenderness, following package guidance.
- After cooking, allow the rice to rest undisturbed, helping any clinging grains to release from the pot’s bottom.
- Reunite the reserved beef with the rice. Blend in cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half the cheddar cheese, creating a creamy, cohesive mixture.
- Migrate the entire concoction to a prepared baking dish. Crown the casserole with remaining cheese, then encase in foil. Bake until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling blanket.
Notes
- Meal Prep Magic: Chop onions and mince garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.
- Beef Browning Tip: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly cooked and drained to prevent excess grease in the final dish, maintaining a rich and hearty texture.
- Rice Cooking Hack: Let rice stand covered after cooking to create perfect, fluffy texture and prevent it from becoming sticky or undercooked.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Versatility Boost: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Storage Wisdom: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain the casserole’s creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 488
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 744 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg