WHY THIS RECIPE IS A MUST-TRY?
Made in just one pot, so cleanup is a breeze
Packed with flavor from savory Italian seasonings and creamy mushrooms
Perfectly tender ground beef in every bite
Creamy and cheesy, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food
Great for meal prep or serving to a crowd
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef (453g)
1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt/Pepper
3 Tablespoons (42g) butter, divided
¾ cup (90g) onions, diced
1 Tablespoon (9g) garlic, minced
2 ½ cups (591ml) beef broth
1 ¼ cups (227g) uncooked white long grain rice, (not instant rice)
8 oz. (227g) sliced button mushrooms, washed
10.5 oz. (298g) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup (118ml) milk, any kind
½ cup (115g) sour cream
2 cups (226g) cheddar cheese, divided
Directions:
Preheat 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 grease, transfer to a plate, and cover with foil.
Melt 2 TBS (28g) butter in the same pot. Add the diced onions and cook for 5 minutes, until 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.) Do not stir the rice at any point.
Turn heat off, 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.
Notes:
If you want to make this recipe even easier, you can use leftover cooked rice instead of cooking it from scratch.
You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer.
To make this recipe healthier, you can use low-sodium beef broth and reduced-fat cheese.
If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, you can use a mixture of dried basil, oregano, and thyme instead.
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can leave them out or substitute with another vegetable like diced bell peppers or zucchini.
In conclusion, Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty and delicious comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to make and requires only one pot for cooking, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. The combination of tender ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and gooey melted cheese makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!