Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake

Description:

This comforting casserole combines tender ground beef, hearty mushrooms, and fluffy rice in a creamy, savory sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a family-friendly, one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead dinners.

Ingredients for Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

• 1 (10.5 oz / 295g) can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (fresh or canned)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and mushrooms, sauté until softened.

3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

4. In a large bowl, combine cooked beef mixture with uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

6. Cover with foil and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until rice is tender.

7. Optional: Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes:

• You can use brown rice, but increase baking time and liquid slightly.

• Add frozen peas or chopped spinach for extra veggies.

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

• If you don’t have sour cream, use Greek yogurt or cream cheese.

Tips:

• Stir once halfway through baking to prevent rice from settling.

• Use freshly sautéed mushrooms for deeper flavor.

• Prep it the night before and refrigerate — just bake when ready to serve.

• Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to enhance umami.

Servings:

4 to 6 servings

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 430

• Protein: 22g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Fat: 22g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 680mg

Benefits:

• Hearty & filling: Perfect for a complete meal in one dish.

• Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.

• Family-approved: Mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults.

• Customizable: Easy to adapt with what’s in your pantry.

Q&A:

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

Q: What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A: Try cream of chicken soup, or make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and broth.

Q: Can I cook the rice separately and just mix it in?
A: Yes, but reduce the broth in the recipe by half and bake for less time, just enough to meld flavors.

Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: Only if you use a gluten-free cream soup and check your broth label.