If you’re searching for a heartwarming, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake Recipe. Packed with savory ground beef, tender mushrooms, a luscious creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness, every bite melts in your mouth, delivering layers of flavor that are both satisfying and totally crave-worthy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd, this recipe brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients into a dish that truly feels special.

Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients are the backbone of the Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake Recipe, each adding distinct texture, flavor, or richness. From the earthy mushrooms to the sharp cheddar cheese, every component contributes something unique to the final dish.

Ground beef (1 lb., 85% lean): Provides meaty richness and protein, the star protein of the dish.
Italian seasoning (1 ½ teaspoons): Adds herbaceous depth and warmth without overpowering the beef.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Used for sautéing veggies and adding silkiness to the dish.
Diced onions (¾ cup): Brings natural sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Infuses the bake with savory pungency and complexity.
Beef broth (2 ½ cups): Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that helps tenderize the rice.
Uncooked long-grain white rice (1 ¼ cups): The hearty, comforting base that absorbs all the lovely flavors.
Fresh button mushrooms (8 oz., sliced): Adds earthiness and a tender bite to the bake.
Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz.): Gives the dish a creamy, umami-rich texture.
Milk (½ cup): Lightens the creaminess and helps create the sauce.
Sour cream (½ cup): Adds a tangy creaminess that brightens up the flavor profile.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts beautifully on top, providing gooey, golden richness.

How to Make Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by warming a large skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You want to cook it just until it’s no longer pink and beginning to caramelize, ensuring it has great flavor. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside to keep things from getting greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions & Garlic

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and toss in the diced onions. Cook them gently for around 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent—this sweet base is key to building those comforting flavors. Then, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant to bring out its full aroma.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice with Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms next and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and releasing their earthy juices. Stir in the uncooked rice and give it a quick toast for 1 to 2 minutes; this step enhances the rice’s nutty flavor and keeps it from turning mushy later.

Step 4: Combine Broth & Beef

Pour the beef broth into the skillet, then add the cooked ground beef back in. Bring everything to a gentle boil before lowering the heat and covering the skillet. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has soaked up most of the broth’s savory goodness.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

While the rice finishes cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Stir the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the rice mixture. Mix it thoroughly until everything is lusciously combined, turning the bake into a creamy, rich delight.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Transfer this heavenly mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, preparing for that bubbly golden finish.

Step 7: Bake & Serve

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes—it helps everything set up beautifully before you dive in.

How to Serve Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor on top, cutting through the richness. For a little extra zing, a few crushed red pepper flakes can awaken your taste buds without overwhelming the dish’s comforting vibe.

Side Dishes

This bake is rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans adds a refreshing counterpoint. A side of roasted vegetables or even a simple cucumber and tomato salad keeps the meal balanced and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try individual servings in small ramekins for a cozy, personal touch—perfect for dinner parties or family meals. Alternatively, serving alongside garlic bread or crusty French bread invites everyone to scoop and savor every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavors. It’s an incredibly convenient option for next-day lunches or easy reheated dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze this bake before or after baking. Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It stays good for up to 2 months and makes a lifesaver meal when you need a quick, comforting dish.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until thoroughly warmed, around 15 to 20 minutes, to maintain the creamy texture and melted cheese. Microwaving on medium power works too—just cover to keep moisture in and stir halfway through heating for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice works best because it cooks evenly and keeps a nice texture. If you want to experiment with brown rice, keep in mind it will take longer to cook and you may need more broth and additional simmering time.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Absolutely! Choose lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for less fat. Using low-fat cheese, milk, and sour cream also cuts down calories while keeping the dish creamy and flavorful.

Can I add other vegetables to the bake?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition and color. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly depending on the veggies you add to maintain the perfect texture.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

If you prefer a homemade touch, you can make a simple roux-based mushroom sauce with fresh mushrooms, butter, flour, broth, and milk. This substitution adds a fresher flavor and lets you control salt and additives.

How do I know when the rice is perfectly cooked?

The rice should be tender but not mushy after simmering in the broth for 20 minutes. If it’s still crunchy, add a little more broth or water, cover, and cook for a few additional minutes before mixing in the creamy ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake Recipe enough for anyone craving that perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and ease. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet comes together without fuss, proving weeknight dinners can be both quick and delicious. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your home!

Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake Recipe

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4.1 from 62 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake is a comforting, savory casserole combining seasoned ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, and tender rice in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it features layers of flavor and a rich, cheesy finish that satisfies the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture

1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté Vegetables

3 tablespoons butter, divided
¾ cup diced onions
1 tablespoon minced garlic
8 oz. fresh button mushrooms, sliced

Main Mixture

1 ¼ cups uncooked long-grain white rice (not instant)
2 ½ cups beef broth
1 can (10.5 oz.) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
½ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Sauté the Onions & Garlic: Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
Prepare the Rice: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes until mushrooms soften. Stir in uncooked long-grain rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Combine Broth & Beef: Pour the beef broth into the skillet and add the cooked ground beef back. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
Make It Creamy: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet mixture until fully combined and creamy.
Bake the Casserole: Transfer the creamy rice and beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake & Serve: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use 85% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat content.
Long-grain white rice is preferred for texture; avoid instant rice as it won’t hold up well in the baking process.
Drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set and makes it easier to portion.
Optional: add chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American