Hearty Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Rice Bake Recipe for Families

Weeknight dinners demand comforting cheesy beef and mushroom rice bake that satisfy hunger and warm the soul.

Savory ground beef mingles with earthy mushrooms in a creamy, bubbling dish.

Layers of tender rice create a hearty foundation for this irresistible meal.

Melted cheese blankets the casserole with golden, crispy edges that promise deliciousness.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a crowd-pleasing classic.

Weeknight magic happens when home cooks unlock this delectable one-pan wonder.

Grab your skillet and get ready to serve up pure comfort on a plate.

Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Rice Bake Cooking Made Simple

• Beef Preparation

Brown ground beef in a large pot, seasoning with Italian herbs and spices. Remove excess grease and set aside.

• Aromatic Foundation

Sauté onions and garlic in butter until soft and fragrant, creating a rich base for the dish.

• Rice and Mushroom Blend

Combine beef broth and rice, simmering until liquid is absorbed. Add mushrooms and let the mixture rest, allowing flavors to meld together.

• Creamy Mixture

Fold in cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half the cheese, creating a luxurious and hearty filling.

• Baking Magic

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake until golden and bubbling. The result is a comforting, cheesy casserole that brings warmth to the table.

Tips to Tweak Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Rice Bake

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian twist on the classic recipe.
• Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the nutritional value and add extra color and texture to the dish.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like taco seasoning, ranch mix, or cajun spices to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste preferences.
• Mix different cheese varieties like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gruyère to create a more complex and exciting cheese layer that elevates the entire dish.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pop it directly into the preheated oven and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Rice Bake

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top to add a burst of color and fresh flavor to the cheesy beef and mushroom rice bake.
• Pair with Crisp Side Salad: Create a light, refreshing contrast by serving a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette alongside the rich, creamy casserole.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and complete the comforting meal.
• Add Vegetable Crunch: Top with some quick-pickled vegetables or a side of roasted broccoli to bring some extra nutrition and texture to the dish.

Storage Advice for Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Rice Bake

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety and quality.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Keep the cheesy beef and mushroom rice bake in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Consume within this timeframe for optimal taste and texture.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual servings in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent dryness. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350F, covered with foil, until heated through and cheese melts smoothly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Rice Bake

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich flavor and substantial protein punch for a filling main dish. Choose lean beef for healthier option and better texture.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds aromatic herbal notes that enhance meat's natural taste. Select fresh blend for maximum flavor intensity.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk, Sour Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety sauce that binds ingredients together. Select full-fat versions for richer, more indulgent texture.
• Butter: Delivers deep, golden richness and helps develop complex flavor profile. Use unsalted butter for better control of dish's saltiness.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide foundational aromatic base with deep, savory undertones. Choose fresh, firm produce for maximum flavor punch.
• Mushrooms: Adds earthy, umami dimension and meaty texture to the dish. Select fresh, firm mushrooms without dark spots.
• Rice: Serves as hearty, comforting base that absorbs all delicious flavors. Opt for long-grain white rice for best results.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp, tangy notes and creates golden, crispy top layer. Select sharp variety for more intense cheese experience.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that elevate and balance overall taste profile. Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.
• Beef Broth: Provides deep, rich liquid base that infuses entire dish with savory essence. Choose low-sodium version for better control.

Kitchen Tools for Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Rice Bake

• Large pot: Essential for browning beef and cooking rice, with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect for creating a hearty casserole with enough space for all ingredients.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Crucial for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Helps achieve precise ingredient quantities for balanced flavors.
• Sharp knife: Needed for dicing onions and chopping ingredients with precision.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing vegetables and meats.
• Foil: Used for covering the dish during baking and keeping meat warm while resting.

Hearty Beef And Mushroom Rice Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cheesy beef and mushroom rice bake delivers comfort on cold nights, blending hearty ingredients into a satisfying casserole. Home cooks savor this rich dish that provides warmth and delicious nourishment with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk, any kind
• 1 lb (453 g) ground beef, 85% lean
• 1 cup onions, diced
• 8 oz (226 g) sliced button mushrooms, washed
• 3 tbsps butter, divided
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice, not instant
• 10.5 oz (298 g) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1.5 tsps Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 × 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, seasoning with Italian herbs, kosher salt, and black pepper. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3. Aromatics and Base: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook briefly. Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, then add rice. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Mushroom Integration: Fold sliced mushrooms into the rice mixture, continue cooking covered for an additional 5-7 minutes. Let rest off heat for 10 minutes to complete cooking.
5. Combining Ingredients: Mix cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, sour cream, and half the cheddar cheese into the rice mixture until well combined.
6. Baking Process: Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, spread evenly, and top with remaining cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Notes

• Meat Prep Tip: Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors and eliminate excess fat for a healthier, more delicious dish.
• Rice Cooking Hack: Allow rice to rest covered after initial cooking to ensure perfect texture and maximum moisture absorption.
• Cheese Melting Strategy: Use aluminum foil during initial baking to prevent cheese from burning while ensuring even, creamy melting.
• Flavor Boosting Technique: Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet used for beef to capture and layer complex, complementary taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg