Name: Cheesy Beef and Rice Delight
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef, 85% lean; 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Salt and 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 rice); 8 oz. sliced button mushrooms, washed; 10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup; ½ cup milk, any kind; ½ cup sour cream; 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided

Description

Indulge in the rich, heavenly flavors of the Cheesy Beef and Rice Delight. A perfect blend of creamy textures and savory tastes, this casserole is a family-friendly dish that combines ground beef, aromatic spices, and cheesy layers under a golden crust. It is particularly ideal for gatherings or a fulfilling weeknight dinner. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home-cooking repertoire.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb. ground beef, 85% lean
1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and 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 rice)
8 oz. sliced button mushrooms, washed
10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk, any kind
½ cup sour cream
2 cups cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once cooked, drain the grease, transfer the beef to a plate, and cover it with foil to keep warm.
Cook Onions and Garlic: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pot. Add the diced onions, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add Broth and Rice: Add the beef broth, remaining tablespoon of butter, and uncooked rice to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce to a simmer and cover, letting it cook for 10 minutes.
Add Mushrooms: Stir in the mushrooms, then cover again and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, depending on the rice’s cooking time as per the package instructions. Remember not to stir the rice during this phase.
Let Rice Stand: Once the cooking time has elapsed, turn off the heat but keep the pot covered. Let it stand for 10 minutes, allowing any rice that may be stuck to the bottom to release.
Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the cooked beef back into the pot along with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes