Zesty Cheesy Beef and Rice Recipe For Families

When comfort food meets mouthwatering simplicity, this cheesy beef and rice delight emerges as a true culinary champion.

Hearty ground beef mingles with fluffy rice, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Melted cheese blankets every single bite, promising pure satisfaction from the first forkful.

The recipe brings together classic ingredients in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.

Tender beef, perfectly seasoned and combined with creamy rice and gooey cheese, transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Dive into this delectable creation and savor every comforting, cheesy moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 464 kcal

Servings: 7

Cheesy Beef and Rice Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein punch, choose lean cuts for healthier option.
• Beef Broth: Enhances meaty depth, look for low-sodium varieties for better control of saltiness.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides rich, sharp flavor, select sharp or extra-sharp for more intense taste.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy tanginess, full-fat version gives better texture and richness.
• Milk: Creates smooth consistency, whole milk works best for maximum creaminess.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Delivers velvety base, opt for low-sodium version if watching salt intake.
• Butter: Contributes richness and helps prevent sticking, unsalted preferred for precise seasoning.

• Onions: Adds sweet undertone and depth, yellow onions provide classic savory profile.
• Garlic: Brings robust depth, fresh minced garlic offers more vibrant flavor than pre-packaged.
• Mushrooms: Introduces earthy dimension, fresh button or cremini mushrooms work wonderfully.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herb complexity, dried blend ensures consistent flavor distribution.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings, kosher salt recommended for better control.

What Tools You Need for This Cheesy Classic

• Large Pot: Essential for browning beef and cooking rice, with a sturdy bottom for even heat distribution.
• 9×13 Inch Casserole Dish: Perfect for baking and serving the entire meal.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing rice from sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing onions and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
• Colander: Useful for draining excess beef grease.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover beef while resting and can cover casserole during baking.

Cooking Beef and Rice Together the Easy Way

Cheesy Beef and Rice Delight

• Meat Preparation

Brown ground beef in a large pot, seasoning with herbs and spices. Drain excess fat and set aside.

• Flavor Base

Melt butter and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic notes.

• Rice Foundation

Pour broth into the pot with butter and uncooked rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covering the pot.

• Mushroom Infusion

Introduce sliced mushrooms into the rice mixture. Continue cooking until rice reaches perfect tenderness.

• Creamy Mixture

Combine cooked beef with creamy ingredients and half the cheese. Stir until ingredients are thoroughly blended.

• Baking Process

Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake until golden and bubbling, creating a deliciously melted surface.

Flavor Ideas for a Bolder, Creamier Dish

• Beef and Rice Magic Boosters
• Cheese Swap Sensation: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of Swiss and cheddar to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
• Veggie Power-Up: Toss in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or chopped spinach to boost nutrition and add colorful texture to the casserole without changing the core recipe.
• Spice Adventure Trail: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or diced jalapeños for those who love a spicy twist. Alternatively, sprinkle some smoked paprika for a deeper, richer flavor without intense heat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pop it directly into the preheated oven and add 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Protein Playground: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein experience while maintaining the dish's creamy, comforting essence.

Plating Tips for Beef and Rice Meals

• Comfort Crew Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add a fresh crunch to your meal.
• Bread Basket Buddy: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls on the side to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and provide an extra layer of comfort to your dining experience.
• Veggie Victory Plate: Roast some colorful seasonal vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus with a light drizzle of olive oil and herbs to create a nutritious and vibrant side that complements the beef and rice casserole perfectly.
• Wine and Dine Delight: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the robust beef flavors and create a sophisticated dining atmosphere for family or guests.

Storing Beef and Rice: Tips to Know

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftovers into airtight glass containers, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture absorption for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Quick Freezer Strategy: Portion the casserole into individual serving sizes within freezer-safe containers, which can be stored for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Rescue Technique: Warm refrigerated portions in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent dryness.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: Store uncooked ingredients separately from prepared dishes. Keep uncooked rice in a cool, dry pantry and separate dairy components to extend overall meal preparation flexibility.

Hearty Cheesy Beef and Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cheesy beef and rice delight combines hearty ground beef with creamy rice in a comforting one-pan meal. Mexican-inspired spices elevate this simple dinner, promising satisfaction for home cooks seeking delicious comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef, 85% lean
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 ¼ cups white long grain rice (not instant)
• 10.5 oz (298 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 8 oz (227 g) sliced button mushrooms, washed
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 3 tbsps butter, divided
• ¾ cup onions, diced
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1.5 tsps Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F, establishing the perfect thermal environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Meat Foundation: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef thoroughly, seasoning with herbs and spices. Drain excess fat, then set aside the meat momentarily.
3. Aromatic Base: Using the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic, stirring to release its intense fragrance and create a flavor-packed base.
4. Rice Infusion: Introduce beef broth, butter, and uncooked rice to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, allowing rice to absorb the liquid completely. Gently fold in mushrooms during the final cooking stages.
5. Creamy Integration: Once rice is tender, combine the reserved beef with the rice mixture. Blend in cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half the cheddar cheese, creating a luxurious, cohesive mixture.
6. Baking Finale: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and cover with foil. Bake until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece, transforming the casserole into a comforting, irresistible dish.

Notes

• Meat Browning Tip: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned to develop deep, rich flavor and eliminate excess fat for a healthier dish.
• Rice Absorption Technique: Let rice rest after cooking to prevent sticking and achieve perfectly separated grains with ideal texture.
• Cheese Melting Strategy: Cover with foil initially to prevent burning, allowing cheese to melt evenly and create a golden, bubbling top.
• Temperature Control: Maintain consistent oven temperature at 350°F to ensure even cooking and prevent dried-out casserole edges.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 464
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 960 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 97 mg