Imagine a warm, comforting dish straight out of the oven, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of melted cheese and savory spices. A dish that brings back cherished memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings at home. That is exactly what you’ll find with this delectable Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole. With its perfect blend of flavors and textures, this dish is not only easy to make but also impossible to resist.
A few years ago, I hosted a dinner party for close friends, and one of them brought along a version of this Casserole. From the moment it emerged from the oven, the tantalizing smell drew everyone to the kitchen. As we gathered around the table, each spoonful filled our mouths with layers of cheesy goodness, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked rice. The laughter, joyful conversation, and empty plates that followed are a testament to the fantastic taste and heartwarming nature of this dish.
Cheesy Ground Beef & Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon minced garlic
¾ cup diced onions
1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice
2 ½ cups beef broth
8 oz. sliced button mushrooms
10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk
3 tbsp butter, divided
2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3 Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté onions and garlic.
4. Add rice and cook for a few minutes. Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
5. In another skillet, sauté mushrooms with the remaining butter.
6. In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream.
7. Combine cooked beef, mushrooms, and half of the cheddar cheese with the rice.
8. Pour the creamy mixture over the beef and rice, stirring to mix.
9. Transfer to the baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes or so, until the cheese is melted and golden.
Let it cool briefly before serving. Enjoy!
May this recipe become a cherished part of your family gatherings and a source of joy in your own kitchen. Enjoy the journey of creating this delicious casserole and the satisfaction of knowing you’re sharing a dish that will ignite fond memories for years to come.
