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Ground Beef Rice Casserole

This Ground Beef Rice Casserole, affectionately known as "Busy Day Casserole," is the ultimate comfort food solution for hectic weeknights. With its blend of savory beef, tender rice, and melted cheese, it is a guaranteed hit for even the pickiest eaters in your household.
Cook Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 208

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 to 1 pound ground beef cooked and drained
  • 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup carrots sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup onion minced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup white button mushrooms minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 9 slices Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease an 8x9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the minced onion, garlic, and mushrooms until they are softened and fragrant.
    3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 cup onion, 1 clove garlic, 1/2 cup white button mushrooms
  3. Stir in the flour and cook for approximately 30 to 60 seconds, whisking continually to create a smooth roux.
    3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens into a creamy, condensed-style sauce.
    1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth
  5. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to your preference, then remove it from the heat.
    1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, Salt
  6. In the prepared baking dish, combine the homemade cream mixture, uncooked long grain white rice, water, cooked ground beef, and sliced carrots. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
    1/2 to 1 pound ground beef, 1 cup long grain white rice, 2 cups water, 1 cup carrots
  7. Bake the casserole uncovered for 90 minutes. Do not worry about covering it; the open air helps create a wonderful texture.
  8. Remove the dish from the oven, layer the cheese slices across the top, and return it to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is fully melted and golden.
    9 slices Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese

Notes

Use long-grain white rice for the best results, as it holds its structure during the long baking process. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
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