Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy Recipe

Introduction

This Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy Easy Weeknight Dinner is the ultimate comfort food for a busy schedule. It combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and a rich, creamy sauce for a satisfying meal the whole family will love. For another simple ground beef and rice idea, try this Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Ready in 30 Minutes.

Ingredients

This Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy sauce comes together with simple, savory ingredients that create a rich and comforting dish.

• 1 lb ground beef
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Italian seasoning, to taste
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken/celery)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheese, divided (cheddar or your choice)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy sauce comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a great choice for a busy weeknight.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Ingredients

Gather and measure all ingredients for your Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy sauce. This includes browning the ground beef, chopping the onion, and measuring out the rice and broth. Having everything ready streamlines the cooking process.

Step 2 — Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks until it is no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. For the best flavor, ensure the beef gets a nice brown crust.

Tip: Drain any excess fat from the skillet after browning to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 3 — Combine the Base Ingredients

Add the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and your chosen seasonings to the skillet with the browned beef. Stir everything together until well combined. The creamy soup and broth will create the saucy base for the casserole.

Step 4 — Transfer to a Baking Dish

Pour the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it into an even layer to ensure uniform cooking. At this stage, you can top the casserole with shredded cheese if desired.

Step 5 — Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam, which is essential for properly cooking the rice. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 50-60 minutes.

Step 6 — Check for Doneness

After 50 minutes, carefully remove the foil and check the casserole. The rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If the rice is still crunchy, re-cover and bake for another 5-10 minutes, adding a splash of broth if it looks dry.

Step 7 — Let it Rest Before Serving

Once the Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy sauce is out of the oven, let it stand for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbohydrates	42 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	3 g
Sodium	810 mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size for this Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy sauce.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Ground Turkey or Chicken — A leaner protein alternative that lightens the dish while maintaining a satisfying, savory base.
• Cauliflower Rice — A fantastic low-carb swap that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully for a lighter version.
• Quinoa or Brown Rice — For a whole-grain boost with more fiber and nutrients compared to white rice.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk — Creates a rich, dairy-free creamy sauce with a subtle, pleasant sweetness.
• Unsalted Beef Broth & Low-Sodium Soy Sauce — Easily control the saltiness for a low-sodium diet without losing depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt — Offers the same tangy creaminess for those avoiding dairy.
• Gluten-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup — An easy, direct swap to make the entire casserole gluten-free.
• Lentils or Mushrooms — A great plant-based option to replace the beef, adding a hearty, earthy texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this comforting casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Serve alongside steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or garlicky sautéed spinach for a complete, balanced meal.
• This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck contribution, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
• For a special occasion, plate individual portions in shallow bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives.
• Offer crusty bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls on the side for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce.
• Turn it into a festive meal by serving it during the holidays with cranberry sauce and sweet dinner rolls.

This Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy sauce is a versatile centerpiece that welcomes a variety of sides to suit any occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using the wrong type of rice, which can become mushy. Fix: Opt for long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati, which holds its shape better during the long bake time.
• Mistake: Not browning the ground beef properly, leading to a lack of deep flavor. Fix: Cook the beef in batches over medium-high heat until a fond develops on the bottom of the pan.
• Mistake: Adding uncooked rice directly to the casserole without adjusting liquid. Fix: Remember that the rice will absorb liquid, so ensure your sauce and broth ratio is sufficient for it to cook through.
• Mistake: Overcooking the casserole, which dries out the beef and rice. Fix: Cover tightly with foil for most of the baking time and check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off.
• Mistake: Using a low-fat cream component that can curdle or split. Fix: For a stable, creamy sauce, use full-fat sour cream, cream cheese, or a béchamel base.
• Mistake: Skipping the seasoning of each component as you build the dish. Fix: Season the beef while cooking and taste the sauce before combining everything to avoid a bland final result.
• Mistake: Not letting the casserole rest before serving, causing it to be soupy. Fix: Allow the Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking; the rice will absorb excess liquid.
• Mistake: Overloading the casserole with vegetables that release too much water. Fix: If adding veggies like mushrooms or zucchini, sauté them first to drive off excess moisture.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy sauce completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat portions in the microwave, covered, until steaming hot, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of broth or water if the rice seems dry.

Always ensure your Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy is stored properly to maintain its flavor and food safety.

Conclusion

This Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy sauce is the ultimate comfort food for a busy weeknight. If you enjoyed this one-pan meal, you might also love our Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe. We hope you give it a try and share your thoughts in the comments below!

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FAQs

Can I make this Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge. This makes the Hearty Beef and Rice Casserole with Creamy sauce a great option for meal prep.

What can I use if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with a similar creamy soup, like cream of celery or chicken. Alternatively, make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk, and add sautéed mushrooms for flavor. This will maintain the creamy texture essential to this dish.

How can I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Use long-grain white rice, as it holds its shape better. Ensure you do not add extra liquid beyond what the recipe specifies. Also, avoid over-stirring the casserole once the rice is added to prevent releasing too much starch.