Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake: Easy Family Dinner

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Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor? This Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake is the perfect solution. With tender ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce baked right into fluffy rice, it’s a one-dish wonder that satisfies the whole family. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, this casserole combines rich flavors and minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward yet versatile. You can tweak it to your taste by adding vegetables, adjusting spices, or experimenting with different types of rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-dish convenience: Minimal prep and cleanup since everything cooks together in a single baking dish.
• Creamy, savory flavors: The combination of beef, mushrooms, and cream of mushroom soup creates a rich, indulgent texture.
• Family-friendly: This dish is a hit with both adults and kids.
• Customizable: Easily add vegetables, spices, or cheese for extra flavor.
• Meal prep-friendly: Makes great leftovers for lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding the purpose of each ingredient helps you get the best results:

• Ground beef: Provides protein and a hearty flavor base. Lean beef is recommended to reduce excess fat.
• Mushrooms: Add earthy, umami notes and a tender texture that pairs perfectly with beef.
• Onion: Sautéed onions give natural sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Uncooked white rice: Absorbs the flavors of the beef and creamy sauce while baking. Long-grain rice works best for a fluffy texture.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy base that holds the rice and beef together.
• Beef broth: Adds rich, savory flavor and ensures the rice cooks properly.

Tips and Tricks

• Brown the beef thoroughly: Properly browning the meat enhances flavor and texture.
• Drain excess fat: Helps prevent the bake from becoming greasy.
• Stir ingredients well: Ensures that the rice, beef, and sauce are evenly distributed for consistent cooking.
• Cover while baking: Trapping steam ensures the rice cooks evenly and stays moist.
• Check rice doneness: Make sure the rice is tender before serving; add a little extra broth if needed.

Variations and Customizations

1. Vegetable additions: Add diced carrots, bell peppers, peas, or spinach for added color and nutrients.
2. Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
3. Spice it up: Add garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs for extra flavor.
4. Alternative proteins: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes.
5. Rice alternatives: Use brown rice or wild rice blends for a healthier option.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
• Pair with crusty bread or garlic rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
• A light white wine or sparkling water complements the dish without overpowering it.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Microwave or bake covered at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.
• Freezing: This bake freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Popular Questions

Can I use instant rice?
Instant rice is not recommended for this bake, as it may overcook and become mushy. Use uncooked long-grain rice for best results.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge and reheats easily, making it ideal for weekly meal planning.

Caroline

Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake: Easy Family Dinner

A comforting, oven-baked casserole made with seasoned ground beef, mushrooms, and rice in a creamy sauce. This easy family dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and reheats beautifully.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups beef broth

Equipment

• Large skillet
• mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• aluminum foil
• wooden spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add diced onion and chopped mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until onions are translucent and mushrooms are tender.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mixture, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Stir until well mixed.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the top is lightly browned.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Ensure the rice is fully tender before serving. This casserole thickens as it rests and tastes even better the next day.

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