Description
Hearty comfort meets zesty flavor in this Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, blending savory beef, creamy cheese, and tangy ranch seasoning. Homemade goodness beckons you to savor each comforting, cheesy bite of this satisfying midweek meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef (85% lean)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
Grains, Liquid, and Dairy:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings:
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease and heat the oven to 350F (175C), creating an ideal environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Transform ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium heat, sautéing with diced onions until meat browns and vegetables soften, approximately 5-7 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking momentarily, then eliminate excess fat through careful draining.
- Integrate uncooked rice, savory beef broth, creamy mushroom soup, tangy sour cream, aromatic Italian seasoning, and half the shredded cheese into the skillet. Blend ingredients thoroughly, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Transfer the robust mixture into the prepared baking dish, securing the top completely with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
- Allow the casserole to bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until rice reaches perfect tenderness and liquid disappears into the delectable mixture.
- Reveal the casserole, generously distribute remaining cheese across the surface, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling landscape.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh parsley or finely chopped green onions, then serve the steaming dish immediately to capture maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and maintain a healthier dish without compromising flavor.
- Opt for low-sodium beef broth and cream of mushroom soup to control salt content for those watching sodium intake.
- Consider swapping white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and a more complex grain profile.
- Prepare casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg