Meaty Rice Casserole and Creamy Beef Bake
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef, 85% lean
1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
Salt/Pepper to taste
3 tablespoons butter, divided
¾ cup chopped onions
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 ½ cups beef broth
1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice (not instant)
8 ounces sliced button mushrooms, washed
10.5 ounces can cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk, any kind
½ cup sour cream
2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring it’s well-greased to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season it with dried oregano, salt, and pepper while cooking. Once browned, drain any excess grease and cover the beef with foil on a plate, allowing it to rest.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the chopped onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Cook the Rice:
Pour the beef broth into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 10 minutes. Add the mushrooms, cover again, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes (check your rice package for exact times). Do not stir during cooking, as this can cause the rice to become mushy.
Finish Cooking the Rice:
After cooking, turn off the heat but keep the skillet covered and let it sit for 10 minutes; this allows the rice to finish cooking and release from the bottom of the skillet.
Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese until everything is well combined, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, creating a golden-brown crust.
Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired, and enjoy the warm, comforting aroma of this delicious casserole.
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: 480 kcal per serving
Servings: 6