Can I use regular rice instead of minute rice?

Regular rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. If using regular rice, parboil it for about 10 minutes before adding to the casserole, and you may need to increase the beef broth by about ½ cup and extend the baking time by 15-20 minutes.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup works well as substitutes. For a homemade option, make a basic white sauce with butter, flour, and milk, then add sautéed mushrooms and a bit of chicken bouillon for flavor.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything up to the point of adding the cracker topping, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cracker topping, and you may need to extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes since it's starting cold.

My family doesn't like mushrooms. Can I leave them out?

Yes, you can omit the chopped mushrooms but still use the cream of mushroom soup for flavor. Alternatively, substitute with vegetables your family enjoys, like diced bell peppers or zucchini.

Creamy Beef and Mushroom Casserole Recipe

Name: Creamy Beef and Mushroom Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 8 oz mushrooms, chopped; 1 cup minute rice (uncooked); 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup beef broth; 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crumbled; 1/4 cup butter, melted

This Creamy Beef and Mushroom Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and creamy goodness all in one dish. Topped with buttery cracker crumbs and ready in just 40 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something hearty, delicious, and fuss-free that the whole family will devour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when time is tight but you still want something homemade and satisfying.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy, savory flavors appeals to everyone – even picky eaters come back for seconds!
One-Dish Meal: Everything cooks together in a single casserole dish, meaning fewer pots and pans to clean up afterward.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that transform into something that tastes like it should cost much more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star protein that provides rich flavor and heartiness. Use 80/20 for the best flavor, but leaner options work too if you prefer.
Minute Rice: A time-saving miracle that cooks right in the casserole without pre-boiling. The rice soaks up all those amazing flavors while cooking.
Yellow Onion: Adds essential aromatic base flavor and a touch of sweetness when cooked down.
Mushrooms: Brings earthy, umami richness that complements the beef perfectly. Button mushrooms work great, but cremini add even more flavor if you have them.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The secret to effortless creaminess and depth of flavor without making a sauce from scratch.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and rich creaminess that takes this casserole to the next level.
Beef Broth: Provides the liquid needed to cook the rice while infusing everything with savory flavor.
Ritz Crackers: Creates that irresistible golden, buttery, crunchy topping that everyone fights over.
Butter: Helps the cracker topping achieve golden perfection and adds rich flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Cheesy

Add 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere cheese to the mixture before baking, or sprinkle some on top along with the crackers for a gooey, cheesy delight.

Veggie Boost

Add diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or carrots along with the onions and mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.

Herb It Up

Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to enhance the savory flavors. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled on top before serving add brightness.

Spice Lover’s Version

Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it more depth and a kick.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Mushroom Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and chopped mushrooms. Keep stirring until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have become translucent. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture, then transfer everything to a 9×13 casserole dish. Add the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, uncooked minute rice, and beef broth. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined, then spread it evenly in the dish.

Step 3: Add the Topping

Crush the sleeve of Ritz crackers into crumbs and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the casserole. Drizzle the melted butter over the cracker crumbs to ensure they’ll become perfectly golden and crispy.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is tender and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown the Beef Properly: Take your time when browning the beef and vegetables. Those caramelized bits add incredible flavor to the finished dish.
Don’t Skip the Draining: Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
Check the Rice: At the 30-minute mark, test a bit of rice to see if it’s tender. Different brands may need slightly more or less cooking time.
Perfect Cracker Topping: Crush the crackers while still in their sleeve for less mess, and aim for a mix of fine crumbs and small pieces for the best texture.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps everything set up and makes serving easier.

How to Serve

This Creamy Beef and Mushroom Casserole is hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal, but here are some perfect pairings:

Simple Sides

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.

Veggie Companions

Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli add color and nutrition to round out the meal.

Bread Options

Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are perfect for sopping up any extra creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this a great make-ahead option.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Either freeze the entire casserole before baking (minus the cracker topping, which should be added just before baking) or freeze individual portions after cooking. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes). For frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat from frozen at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of minute rice?

Regular rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. If using regular rice, parboil it for about 10 minutes before adding to the casserole, and you may need to increase the beef broth by about ½ cup and extend the baking time by 15-20 minutes.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup works well as substitutes. For a homemade option, make a basic white sauce with butter, flour, and milk, then add sautéed mushrooms and a bit of chicken bouillon for flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything up to the point of adding the cracker topping, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cracker topping, and you may need to extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes since it’s starting cold.
My family doesn’t like mushrooms. Can I leave them out?

Yes, you can omit the chopped mushrooms but still use the cream of mushroom soup for flavor. Alternatively, substitute with vegetables your family enjoys, like diced bell peppers or zucchini.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Beef and Mushroom Casserole brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a regular in your dinner rotation – reliable, comforting, and always satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or looking for something hearty to bring to a potluck, this casserole delivers flavor and comfort with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!