Description

This hearty Beef and Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for feeding the whole family. Made with ground beef, tender rice, savory mushrooms, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s an easy one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. The recipe is simple to follow, requires minimal prep, and is ready in about an hour, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or when you need a dish that can please a crowd. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses for a personal touch!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
3 Tbsp butter, divided
3/4 cup onions, diced
1 Tbsp garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1 1/4 cups uncooked long grain white rice
8 oz sliced button mushrooms
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain the excess grease and set the beef aside.
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the beef broth, remaining butter, and uncooked rice to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Place the sliced mushrooms on top of the rice (do not stir), cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the rice is tender.
Remove the pot from heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
Stir in the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade Beef and Rice Casserole!

Notes

For a Healthier Option: Use lean ground beef (93% lean or higher), low-fat cheese, and sour cream to reduce the fat content without compromising flavor. You can also substitute white rice with brown rice, but remember to adjust the cooking time.
Make It Your Own: This casserole is highly customizable. Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrients, or swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor twist. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.