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Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender cooked ground beef, long grain white rice, carrots, and a rich mushroom-based sauce, it is baked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar or Colby Jack cheese. This versatile casserole can be made quickly with canned soup, semi-homemade with mushroom gravy, or entirely from scratch using a homemade creamy mushroom sauce. The dish features a satisfying cheesy crust atop a flavorful, tender blend of meat, vegetables, and rice.

Ingredients

Quick Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked)
  • 2 Cups Water
  • 1 Cup Carrots (sliced)
  • 1/2 to 1 Pound Ground Beef (cooked)
  • Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese (sliced, about 9 pieces)

Semi Homemade Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Water
  • Pacific Foods Mushroom Gravy (13.9 ounces)
  • 1/2 Cup Milk
  • 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked)
  • 1/2 to 1 Pound Ground Beef (cooked)
  • 1 Cup Carrots (sliced)
  • Colby Jack or Medium Cheddar Cheese (for topping, about 9 slices)

From Scratch Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1/4 Cup Onion (minced)
  • 1 Clove Garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 Cup White Button Mushrooms (minced)
  • 3 Tablespoons Flour
  • 1/2 Cup Cream
  • 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked)
  • 2 Cups Water
  • 1/2 to 1 Pound Ground Beef (cooked)
  • 1 Cup Carrots (sliced)
  • Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese (sliced, about 9 slices)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare an 8x9-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray or greasing it.
  2. Quick Recipe Mix: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, uncooked rice, water, sliced carrots, and cooked ground beef. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
  3. Bake Quick Version: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 90 minutes allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
  4. Add Cheese Topping: Remove from oven and arrange the cheese slices evenly over the casserole. Return to the oven and bake a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Semi-Homemade Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the water, mushroom gravy, and milk until smooth. Add the uncooked rice, cooked ground beef, and sliced carrots. Mix everything to combine evenly.
  6. Bake Semi Homemade: Transfer this mixture to the baking dish. Bake uncovered for 90 minutes to cook the rice and blend flavors.
  7. Top Cheese Semi Homemade: Add cheese slices on top and bake for another couple of minutes until the cheese melts.
  8. Make From Scratch Sauce: In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced onion, garlic, and mushrooms; sauté until softened and fragrant.
  9. Make Roux and Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and whisk continuously, cooking for about 30 to 60 seconds to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the cream and chicken broth, cooking until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  10. Season Sauce: Remove from heat; season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  11. Combine From Scratch Mixture: In the baking dish, combine the cream sauce, uncooked rice, water, cooked ground beef, and sliced carrots. Stir well to mix everything thoroughly.
  12. Bake From Scratch: Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 90 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through.
  13. Final Cheese Layer: Add cheese slices on top and bake for a few more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  14. Serve: Remove casserole from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

Notes

  • Cooking times are approximate; oven temperatures and rice types can affect bake duration.
  • Use pre-cooked ground beef leftover or cook fresh with seasoning before assembling for best flavor.
  • The casserole can be prepared using any combination of cheddar or Colby Jack cheese slices depending on your preference.
  • For a lower fat option, use reduced-fat cheese and lean ground beef.
  • Feel free to add additional vegetables like peas or bell peppers to increase nutrition and variety.
  • If using frozen carrots, thaw and drain excess water before mixing into casserole.
  • Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to prevent burns and to help it hold shape when plated.

Find it online: https://suerecipe.com/cheesy-ground-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe/