Name: Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed); 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (8 oz) package sliced mushrooms; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

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If you’re looking for that perfect cozy weeknight dish everyone will rave about, the Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake is calling your name. Imagine forkfuls of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, hearty rice, and rich, melty cheddar, all bound together with a luscious creamy sauce. It’s a dinner that fills your kitchen with savory aromas and brings family or friends running to the table. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need something simple that makes everyone happy, this bake effortlessly delivers all the best flavors in every cheesy bite.

Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This lineup of ingredients is beautifully straightforward, with each component adding its own flair to the Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake. From the savory base to the gooey cheese finish, every bite benefits from these key choices.

Ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and protein, making the bake satisfyingly filling.
Olive oil (if needed): Helps sauté the vegetables smoothly, especially if your beef is lean.
Small onion, chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the savory mix.
Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and flavor.
Sliced mushrooms: Bring earthiness and a meaty texture to complement the beef.
Italian seasoning: Lends subtle herby notes that brighten up the bake.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for amping up every other flavor.
Cooked white or brown rice: The perfect backdrop to soak up all the cheesy, creamy goodness.
Cream of mushroom soup: Adds instant creaminess and more mushroom flavor throughout.
Sour cream: Provides tang and richness, balancing all the savory components.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to create that stretchy, bubbly, golden top that everyone loves.
Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh color to brighten each serving.

How to Make Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering and prepping everything you need so assembly is a breeze later on. Dice your onion, mince the garlic, and slice up the mushrooms if they’re not already prepped. Having the rice cooked ahead saves you valuable time, so feel free to use leftover rice or whip up a batch while you brown the beef.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains, breaking it up as it cooks. This step not only develops that delicious savory flavor, but also prevents your bake from becoming greasy. When it’s beautifully browned, drain off any excess fat for a lighter finish.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms

Add the chopped onion, garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté everything together for 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mushrooms are tender, the onions are soft, and any liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated. This is where that unbeatable, deep, savory aroma starts filling your kitchen!

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Now it’s time to sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together in the pan so the seasonings coat the meat and vegetables evenly. Don’t skip this step—those spices are the secret to elevating your Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake above the standard casserole.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Transfer the tasty beef and mushroom mixture to a large bowl. Add your cooked rice, pour in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, then mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until everything is perfectly coated and combined—this is what creates that signature creamy, cheesy base everyone craves.

Step 6: Assemble the Bake

Spread your flavorful mixture evenly in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar over the surface for maximum cheesy coverage. It’s the anticipation of that bubbly, golden cheese that makes this dish so irresistibly inviting.

Step 7: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Pop your assembled bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and let it cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. The bake is ready when the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling, and the aroma makes it impossible to wait much longer. Let the dish rest for five minutes after baking to help everything set up beautifully for serving.

How to Serve Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake

Garnishes

Nothing dresses up the Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake like a finish of fresh, chopped parsley. It adds a pop of color and a light, herby lift that balances all the creamy, savory flavors. For extra flair, dust with a bit of paprika or toss on a few thinly sliced green onions before serving.

Side Dishes

This satisfying bake pairs well with bright, simple sides. A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli adds freshness while garlic bread or warm rolls are perfect for scooping up every last bit of cheesy goodness. For a pop of color and nutrients, try roasted carrots or green beans on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

To make your Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake a showstopper at the table, serve it in individually portioned ramekins or mini casseroles—guests love getting their own bubbly serving. If you’re feeding a crowd, a deep cast-iron skillet gives plenty of rustic charm. Leftover slices also hold their shape well, making them perfect for lunchboxes or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover and refrigerate any leftover Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors only deepen and meld together, making the next-day serving nearly as irresistible as the first.

Freezing

This bake freezes like a champ! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or portion into freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to three months. When the craving strikes, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is gooey again. Single servings also do well in the microwave; just cover loosely to avoid drying out. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese and parsley to revive that just-baked appeal.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While cheddar adds classic flavor, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend work deliciously as well. Try pepper jack for a mild kick or Swiss for a nuttier profile.

Can I swap the ground beef for something lighter?

Definitely—ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef without sacrificing the comfort food vibe. Just be mindful to season well and add a little olive oil if your lighter meat is extra lean.

What’s the best way to add more veggies?

This Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake is wonderfully versatile; stir in a handful of baby spinach, frozen peas, or chopped bell peppers in step five. They’ll cook to tender perfection in the oven and boost both color and nutrients.

Is it possible to make this bake ahead?

Yes! Assemble the entire bake up to a day in advance and cover tightly in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking as instructed.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Of course! Brown rice offers an extra nutty flavor and added fiber, making the dish even heartier. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before mixing in, as it won’t soften further during baking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dinner that’s cheesy, hearty, and guaranteed to earn you rave reviews, you’ve just found it. I can’t wait for you to experience the comfort and joy this Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake brings to the table. Grab those simple ingredients, mix up a batch, and treat yourself—and anyone lucky enough to join you—to this unforgettable cozy classic!

Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Mushroom and Beef Rice Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner. Creamy mushroom soup, tender ground beef, and savory seasonings come together with rice and cheese for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (8 oz) package sliced mushrooms
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
Sauté vegetables: Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are soft. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the beef mixture with cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Spread the mixture into the baking dish.
Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly. Let rest before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.