Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stare into the fridge, wondering what to cook? This cheesy ground beef casserole is the answer! Think ultimate comfort food, but easy enough for a weeknight.

Brief Overview

Casseroles? proper british comfort food, innit? they're proper hearty dishes, and this one hits the spot. this easy casserole recipe for dinner takes about 50 minutes, tops.

It feeds about six hungry bellies.

Main Benefits

This budget friendly family casserole recipe is packed with protein. It’s proper easy to throw together. What makes it special? The cheesy goodness, of course! Honestly, who can say no to a cheesy bake?

From Humble Beginnings

Comfort food casserole ideas often come from family recipes. this cheesy beef and rice casserole with italian seasoning reminds me of my nan's cooking.

She always had something warm and hearty on the table. this recipe brings that same comforting feeling, but with a modern twist.

You know?

Gathering Your Grub

To make this amazing ground beef rice bake , you'll need simple ingredients. we're talking ground beef, rice, cheese (loads of it!), and a few other bits and bobs.

I always check the pantry first, you never know what treasures you'll find! this ground beef casserole with cream of mushroom soup is a staple, and the soup adds a creamy texture.

You can even prep this make-ahead ground beef casserole the night before, proper convenient.

Let's Get Cooking!

First, you brown the beef. then, cook the rice. after that, stir in the cheese and bake. see? easy peasy.

This one-pot beef and rice casserole option saves on washing up, another win! this kid-friendly ground beef casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices. it's your casserole, after all!

Dietary Tweaks

Need a gluten-free ground beef casserole option ? no problem! just use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and make sure your broth is gluten-free.

It's that easy! this recipe adapts to all sorts of dietary needs.

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this cheesy ground beef casserole sing. We're talking proper comfort food here! Think nan's cooking, but with a little extra oomph.

Ingredients & Equipment

First things first, let's gather our bits. I'll break it down to keep things nice and easy.

Main Ingredients

• Ground Beef: 1 lb ( 454g ), 85% lean is ideal. Honestly, the better quality the beef, the better the flavour. A decent marbling will give you a richer taste.
• Italian Seasoning: 1.5 teaspoons. This is your secret weapon.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
• Unsalted Butter: 3 Tablespoons ( 42g ), divided.
• Yellow Onion: ¾ cup ( 113g ), diced. Makes the kitchen smell amazing .
• Garlic: 1 Tablespoon , minced.
• Beef Broth: 2 ½ cups ( 591ml ), low sodium.
• Uncooked White Long Grain Rice: 1 ¼ cups ( 250g ), not the instant stuff, alright? We want some texture .
• Button Mushrooms: 8 oz ( 227g ), sliced. Make sure you wash them first!.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 10.5 oz ( 298g ) can. The classic! This is a great base for any easy ground beef casserole with cream of mushroom soup.
• Milk: ½ cup ( 118ml ), whole, 2%, or skim.
• Sour Cream: ½ cup ( 113g ). Gives it that lovely tang.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups ( 227g ), shredded, divided. Get a good mature cheddar for that extra oomph!

So you can also think to prepare a Ground beef rice bake or even make-ahead ground beef casserole

Seasoning Notes

We're going for that classic Italian vibe.

• Italian seasoning is the star. It’s a essential spice combination .
• A dash of garlic powder never hurt anyone!
• Don't have Italian seasoning? Mix oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. Boom! You know what? Flavor enhancers and aromatics can really make a dish.

Equipment Needed

Right, tools of the trade.

• Large Pot with a lid.
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish.
• Aluminium Foil
• Measuring Cups and Spoons.
• Cutting Board.
• Knife.

Don't have a fancy baking dish? any similar sized oven safe dish will do. we're aiming for that rustic, budget friendly family casserole recipe .

Also this cheesy beef and rice casserole with italian seasoning is a kid-friendly ground beef casserole and also can be a gluten-free ground beef casserole option.

Remember, this cheesy ground beef casserole will be the best from all easy casserole recipes for dinner , i swear.

Now, go forth and conquer! Next up, we're cooking! This comfort food casserole ideas and One-pot beef and rice casserole are one of my favourites.

Cooking Method: Ace Your Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

Honestly, who doesn't love a good casserole? especially when it's cheesy! i’m talking about the ultimate comfort food: a cheesy ground beef casserole .

It's proper simple to make and always a crowd pleaser. i remember my gran making something like this, bless her, always a win.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

• Essential Mise en Place: First things first, get all your ingredients measured out and chopped. Dice that onion, mince the garlic, slice the mushrooms, and shred your cheddar. It really does make life easier.
• Time Saving Organization Tips: You know what I do? I brown the beef while the oven preheats to 350° F ( 175° C) . Double tasking at its finest! You'll save yourself precious minutes and that's always a win in my book.
• Safety Reminders: Watch out when draining the fat from the beef don't want any splashes! And always use oven mitts when handling hot dishes. Safety first, innit?

step-by-step Process: Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Brown that Beef: Brown 1 lb of ground beef, season with Italian seasoning and drain. We are one step closer to this cheesy beef and rice casserole with Italian seasoning !
2. Sauté: Sauté onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of butter. I love how this brings out the flavors!
3. Cook the Rice: Add beef broth and rice and then mushrooms. Simmer covered. This is how you make this an amazing ground beef rice bake .
4. Mix It Up: Combine beef, cream of mushroom soup , milk, sour cream, and half the cheese with the rice.
5. Assemble & Bake: Pour into a greased dish, top with the rest of the cheese, and bake for 20 minutes covered, then 5-10 uncovered .
6. Rest: Let it rest for a bit before diving in. Trust me, it's worth the wait.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game

• Expert Technique: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef for a bit of a kick.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't overcook the rice! Mushy rice is a casserole killer. Follow the package instructions for the most amazing one-pot beef and rice casserole .
• make-ahead Option: Assemble this bad boy the night before and bake it the next day. Perfect for those busy weeknights, making it the ultimate make-ahead ground beef casserole .

So, there you have it! my version of a cheesy ground beef casserole . it's simple, tasty, and always a hit.

It is one of those easy casserole recipes for dinner that i always go back to. it's proper good comfort food casserole ideas .

And the best part? it's budget friendly family casserole recipe so you can feed the little tykes without emptying your wallet.

You can even make it a kid-friendly ground beef casserole by adding a dash of ketchup to the beef mixture.

If you need a gluten-free ground beef casserole option , use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure your broth is gluten-free too.

Give it a go, and let me know what you think!

Alright, let's talk notes! i've been making this recipe for, like, ages. honestly? it's one of those easy casserole recipes for dinner that just always hits the spot.

Here are some tricks i picked up along the way making cheesy ground beef casserole

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Casserole Game!

Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro!

Okay, presentation is key. you know? we eat with our eyes first. for plating this cheesy ground beef casserole , i like to scoop a generous portion onto a plate.

A sprig of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Thinking sides? a crisp green salad balances the richness. honestly, though, a simple side of steamed green beans works wonders too.

And don't forget some crusty bread for soaking up all that cheesy goodness! it's total comfort food casserole ideas

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? no worries. for refrigeration, just pop the cheesy ground beef casserole into an airtight container. it'll keep happily for about 3-4 days.

Just make sure it's cooled down properly before you stash it.

Freezing? you bet! i've made this make-ahead ground beef casserole loads of times. wrap individual portions tightly in foil, then place them in a freezer bag.

It lasts for up to 2 months. to reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake it in the oven until heated through and bubbly.

Cover with foil if the top starts to brown too quickly. microwaving works too, but it can sometimes get a little bit soggy.

Variations: Tweak It To Your Taste

Okay, so you want to mix things up? i got you. for a gluten-free ground beef casserole option , just make sure to use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and maybe sub rice for quinoa.

Easy peasy!

You can also throw in different veggies. Honestly, sometimes I’ll add in some bell peppers or even some spinach. It's a sneaky way to get the kids to eat their greens! You can also adjust the seasoning for this cheesy beef and rice casserole with Italian seasoning according to your taste

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Fuel

Alright, let's be real. this cheesy ground beef casserole isn't exactly health food. but hey, it's all about balance, right? it is a budget friendly family casserole recipe .

It also provides a good amount of protein. if you're worried about the calories, you could use leaner ground beef and lower fat cheese.

Key takeaway? Everything in moderation. Enjoy it, savor it, and don't feel guilty about it! This Ground beef rice bake or one-pot beef and rice casserole is super nutritious.

This Kid-friendly ground beef casserole will definitely appeal to them.

So there you have it! all my little tips and tricks for making the perfect cheesy ground beef casserole . now go on, get cooking, and enjoy! i bet your family will love this ground beef casserole with cream of mushroom soup.