Description
Hearty beef and rice casserole delivers comfort on a plate with layers of savory ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese. Home cooks enjoy this simple, satisfying meal that brings warmth to the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
Grains and Vegetables:
- 1 cup (200 grams) long-grain white rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup (150 grams) diced celery
- 4 ounces (113 grams) sliced mushrooms
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
- 10.5 ounces (298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onions over medium-high heat, thoroughly draining excess fat.
- Incorporate uncooked rice into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Blend beef broth, mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream into the skillet, mixing thoroughly. Fold in half the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the rich mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid completely.
- Uncover the casserole, sprinkle remaining cheese across the top, and return to oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling surface.
- Allow the casserole to rest under foil for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot and aromatic.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that cuts down on saturated fat while maintaining delicious flavor.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value, adding more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the dish.
- Incorporate extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutrient density and create a more balanced one-pan meal.
- If avoiding dairy, substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a creamy texture that accommodates lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg