Description
Discover how to make a delicious Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole that will satisfy your cravings. This easy recipe is perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- – 1 lb. (454 g) ground beef, 85% lean
- – 1.5 teaspoons (8 ml) Italian seasoning
- – Salt/Pepper
- – 3 tablespoons (45 ml) vegetable oil, divided
- – ¾ cup (177 ml) onions, diced
- – 1 tablespoon (15 ml) garlic, minced
- – 2 ½ cups (591 ml) beef broth
- – 1 ¼ cups (250 g) uncooked white long grain rice, (not instant rice)
- – 8 oz. (227 g) sliced button mushrooms, washed
- – 10.5 oz. (298 g) cream of mushroom soup
- – ½ cup (120 ml) milk, any kind
- – ½ cup (120 ml) yogurt
- – 2 cups (226 g) cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Before starting, check your rice packaging for the required amount of liquid (beef broth) and cooking time. Alternatively, you can prepare the rice separately and omit the beef broth. You will need a total of 3 ¾ cups of cooked rice to blend with the remaining casserole elements. Set your oven to 350°F to preheat.
- Cook the ground beef in a large pot on medium-high heat until browned. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning during the cooking process.
- Once done, remove the excess grease, place the beef on a plate, and cover it with foil to keep warm.
- In the same pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5 minutes until they soften. Introduce the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the beef broth, remaining oil, and uncooked rice into the pot and mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to allow it to simmer.
- Cover the pot tightly and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Introduce the mushrooms, put the lid back on, and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes. (Refer to your rice packaging for precise timing.) Do not stir the rice as it cooks.
- Turn off the heat, leaving the lid on, and let it rest for 10 minutes without stirring. This will allow the rice at the bottom to come off.
- Reintroduce the cooked beef to the pot along with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, yogurt, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix everything together.
- Move the mixture into a lightly oiled 9 x 13 baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover the dish and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Consider using ground beef with a higher fat content for a more flavorful outcome.
- Enhance the dish with a touch of freshness by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Explore different types of mushrooms to create varied textures and flavors in the casserole.
