Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake

This Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake is the perfect comfort food to warm you up and fill your belly. It’s an easy, one-pan dish featuring tender ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and fluffy rice all baked together in a creamy sauce. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this casserole is ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting home-cooked meal. Serve it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete dinner that the whole family will love.

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Instructions
3. Cook Notes & Tips
4. Recipe Variations
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Conclusion

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Once browned, remove excess grease if needed. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are tender.
3. Season and Combine
   • Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Remove the skillet from heat.
4. Mix in the Baking Dish
   • In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked beef mixture, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and milk. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Add the Cheese
   • Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Smooth the mixture out evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Bake
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the rice is tender.
7. Serve
   • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Rice Type: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice, as they may become mushy.
• Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetables: You can add other vegetables, like bell peppers or peas, to increase the nutritional content of the dish.

Recipe Variations

• Turkey Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version of this casserole.
• Herb Twist: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for a different flavor dimension.
• Creamier Version: Mix in 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture for an even creamier texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? A: Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time and possibly add more liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

This Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake is the perfect one-dish meal for busy nights. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and so easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something warm and satisfying, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it out, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!