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

Description

This creamy beef and mushroom casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring ground beef, tender mushrooms, and soft rice, all enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce and topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs. It’s an easy, family-friendly recipe perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Beef and Mushroom Mixture

- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, chopped

Casserole Base

- 1 cup minute rice (uncooked)
- 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup beef broth

Topping

1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crumbled
1/4 cup butter, melted

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Instructions

Sauté the Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and chopped mushrooms. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Combine Casserole Ingredients: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a large 9×13-inch casserole dish. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, uncooked minute rice, and beef broth. Mix everything together thoroughly and spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
Add Cracker Topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumbled Ritz crackers over the top of the casserole, then drizzle the melted butter over the crackers to ensure a golden, crispy topping.
Bake: Place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the topping is golden brown.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if preferred.
Use lower-sodium beef broth and soup to reduce salt content.
Fresh mushrooms give the best flavor, but canned can be used in a pinch.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 75mg