Deliciously Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef, 85% lean

1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Salt/Pepper

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 rice)

8 oz. sliced button mushrooms, washed

10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup milk, any kind

1/2 cup sour cream

2 cups cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown 1 lb. of 85% lean ground beef, mixing in 1.5 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper as it cooks.

Drain the grease and transfer the beef to a plate, covering it with foil to keep it warm.

In the same pot, melt 2 TBS of butter and add ¾ cup of diced onions. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions are softened.

Add 1 TBS of minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add 2 ½ cups of beef broth, 1 TBS of butter, and 1 ¼ cups of uncooked white long-grain rice (not instant rice). Stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover tightly. Cook for 10 minutes.

Add 8 oz. of sliced button mushrooms, replace the cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes (refer to your rice package for exact cooking time). Do not stir the rice at any point.

Turn off the heat, 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, 10.5 oz. of cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup of milk, ½ cup of sour cream, and HALF of the 2 cups of cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.

Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese.

Cover the casserole and bake it for 20 minutes.

Remove the cover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and enjoy your delicious Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole!

Notes:

This recipe is very customizable, so feel free to adjust the seasonings and add any additional vegetables you like.

If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.

Leftovers of this casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat leftovers, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or heat in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of ground meat in the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Is it necessary to use long-grain white rice, or can I use another type of rice?

While the recipe specifically calls for long-grain white rice, you can experiment with other types of rice, keeping in mind that the cooking time and liquid requirements may vary.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate.

When ready to serve, bake it as directed, allowing a few extra minutes if needed.

Can I freeze leftovers of the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve as a side dish with this casserole?

Consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables, a green salad, or a simple coleslaw for a balanced meal.

Can I add extra vegetables to the casserole for more flavor and nutrition?

Certainly! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, spinach, or any vegetables of your choice to enhance the nutritional value and taste.

Can I use low-fat or fat-free versions of dairy products in this recipe?

Yes, you can opt for lower-fat versions of sour cream, milk, and cheese if you want to reduce the overall fat content.

Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you prefer, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as an alternative to cream of mushroom soup.

What should I do if my rice is not fully cooked after the initial baking time?

If the rice is not fully cooked after the recommended time, cover the casserole and continue baking, checking every 5 minutes until the rice is tender.

Can I add spices or herbs to customize the flavor of the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices, such as thyme, oregano, or paprika, to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Adjust the quantities based on your personal taste preferences.