Rustic Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake Recipe That Wows

Comfort meets convenience in this delectable beef and mushroom rice bake that promises to revolutionize weeknight dinners.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a rich and satisfying meal everyone will adore.

Tender beef chunks nestle between fluffy rice grains, while earthy mushrooms add depth and complexity.

Minimal prep work means you can have this dish on the table in under an hour.

creamy sauce binds all the ingredients together, delivering a luscious texture that melts in your mouth.

Packed with robust flavors and nutrition, this one-pan wonder will quickly become a household favorite.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch your dinner table come alive with excitement.

Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake Overview

• Savor Hearty Comfort: Dive into a rich, satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth with its creamy texture and robust beef flavor.
• Simplify Cooking Routine: Master this one-pan wonder that transforms basic ingredients into a delectable casserole with minimal kitchen cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Create a versatile dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable for the entire family.
• Boost Nutrition Cleverly: Pack protein, vegetables, and grains into a single dish that delivers balanced nutrition without sacrificing taste or comfort.

Ingredients Included in Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the main protein of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor to the beef.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the ground beef.

• Onions, Garlic: These ingredients provide a foundational flavor and aromatic base for the recipe.
• Mushrooms: A savory vegetable that adds earthy richness and texture to the dish.

• Uncooked Rice: The primary starch that absorbs flavors and creates the base of the casserole.
• Beef Broth: A liquid that helps cook the rice and adds additional savory depth.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk, Sour Cream: These ingredients create a rich, creamy texture and bind the casserole together.
• Cheddar Cheese: A melty cheese that provides a tangy flavor and creates a golden, bubbly topping.
• Butter: Used to sauté vegetables and add richness to the dish.

How to Make Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Toss in ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Cook the meat until it transforms into a rich, golden brown color. Drain away any extra fat and set the beef aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Melt butter in the same skillet. Add diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.

Introduce minced garlic and let it dance around the pan, releasing its wonderful fragrance.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice Base

Slide sliced mushrooms into the skillet.

Let them soften and release their earthy flavor. Sprinkle uncooked rice into the pan, allowing it to toast and absorb all the delicious pan flavors.

• Sliced mushrooms
• Uncooked rice

Step 4: Create the Liquid Foundation

Pour beef broth into the skillet. Return the cooked beef back to the pan.

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer until the rice becomes tender and liquid disappears.

Step 5: Mix the Creamy Elements

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until everything looks smooth and inviting.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the creamy rice blend into a greased baking dish. Shower the top with remaining cheese.

Step 7: Bake and Enjoy

Slide the dish into the oven. Bake until cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Serve and savor every delicious bite of this comforting meal.

Expert Tips on Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake

• Use high-quality ground beef with 80/20 fat content for maximum taste and juiciness.
• Toast rice in skillet before adding broth to enhance nutty flavor and prevent sticky texture.
• Swap cheddar with monterey jack, gruyere, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
• Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired consistency – less milk for thicker casserole, more for saucier texture.
• Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color boost to the dish.

Flavor Variations Elevating Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake

• Vegetarian Rice Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version that maintains the creamy, comforting texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice or gluten-free rice blend. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredient labels to ensure total gluten-free compatibility.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, use pepper jack cheese, and incorporate taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning. Mix in some roasted corn kernels for extra southwestern flair and flavor complexity.

Pairings That Match Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake

Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot, which complements the rich beef and mushroom flavors without overpowering the creamy texture.

Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the dish’s richness and provide a fresh contrast.

Prepare simple roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts seasoned with garlic and olive oil, adding a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment that balances the creamy casserole.

Serve warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to help soak up the delicious sauce and provide a textural complement to the soft, creamy rice bake.

Storage Advice on Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish fresh and preventing bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents, then freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from packaging.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Partially cook the brown rice before adding it to the skillet to ensure it becomes tender.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify that your beef broth is gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels carefully to ensure no hidden gluten sources.

• How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Consider mixing in frozen peas, diced carrots, or chopped spinach during the final mixing stage. These vegetables will blend well with the creamy rice and beef mixture.

Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting beef and mushroom rice bake delivers a hearty symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Cheesy, savory layers meld perfectly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (85% lean)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh button mushrooms, sliced

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 0.75 cup diced onions
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Liquid and Dairy Components:

• 2.5 cups beef broth
• 1.25 cups uncooked long-grain white rice (not instant)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 0.5 cup milk
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2. Melt butter in the same skillet, sauté diced onions for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Incorporate sliced mushrooms into the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until they soften. Add uncooked rice and toast for 1-2 minutes to absorb flavors.
4. Pour beef broth into the skillet, return cooked ground beef. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and one cup of cheddar cheese into the rice mixture until creamy and well combined.
6. Transfer creamy rice mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Enhance the flavor profile by using a mix of wild and button mushrooms for added depth and complexity.
• Transform into a gluten-free dish by substituting regular rice with cauliflower rice and using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
• Reduce the fat content by using lean ground beef or ground turkey and opting for low-fat dairy alternatives like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Boost the nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach or diced bell peppers during the sautéing stage for increased vitamins and fiber.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 565 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg