Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Hamburger Rice Bake
This creamy garlic mushroom hamburger rice bake is a delightful dish that will have everyone at the dinner table smiling! It’s comforting, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy. Here are a few reasons why you’re going to love this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This bake comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
- Perfect for Beginners: Even if you’re new to cooking, you can easily follow the clear steps to create a delicious meal.
- Ideal for the Whole Family: This dish combines meat, rice, and hearty mushrooms, making it a satisfying option that everyone will enjoy.
- Economical: With affordable ingredients like ground beef and rice, this recipe won’t break the bank.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own!
The Necessary Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you will need:
- 1½ lb ground beef (80–90% lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or 3 cups cooked rice)
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups hot beef broth (plus more as needed)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- ½–¾ tsp black pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp butter or olive oil (for the pan)
- 2 cups shredded cheese, divided (mozzarella or Swiss/Gruyère)
- Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: While 80–90% lean beef is ideal for flavor and juiciness, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
- Sour Cream: This adds creaminess to the dish, but if you want to lighten it up, you can leave it out or use Greek yogurt in its place.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you don’t have this on hand, a homemade version using sautéed mushrooms, cream, and broth can easily replace it.
How to Prepare the Creamy Garlic Mushroom Hamburger Rice Bake Step by Step
Now it’s time to make this delicious bake! Just follow these steps for a creamy, comforting meal.
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Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pro Tip: Greasing the dish with butter or oil helps the bake come out easily once it’s done.
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Cook the meat and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and the finely diced onion until the meat is browned for about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and Italian seasoning.
- Pro Tip: Browning the meat and onions brings out fantastic flavors, so don’t rush this step!
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Mix in the sauces: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, 1½ cups of hot beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, sour cream (if using), and 1 cup of shredded cheese until well combined.
- Pro Tip: Using hot broth helps to keep the dish evenly heated, resulting in perfectly cooked rice!
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Prepare the baking dish: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the prepared dish. Pour the beef mixture over the rice. Drizzle the remaining ½ cup of broth around the edges and gently stir to evenly distribute the rice.
- Pro Tip: Drizzling broth around the edges helps cook the rice evenly while preventing it from getting too soggy.
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Bake the dish: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the rice is tender. If the rice isn’t tender yet, add an additional ¼–½ cup of broth and bake for another 8 to 12 minutes.
- Pro Tip: Make sure to check the rice before adding any more broth; you want it to absorb just the right amount!
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Add the final touches: Uncover the dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
- Pro Tip: Resting the dish helps set it and makes it easier to serve!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Creamy Garlic Mushroom Hamburger Rice Bake is ready, here are some fun ways to serve it:
Perfect Pairings
- Drinks: This bake pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced tea.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the bake.
Occasions
- Weeknight Dinner: Quick to prepare, this dish is perfect for satisfying those weekday hunger pangs.
- Special Occasion Meal: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy get-together with friends, it’s sure to impress.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve it right from the baking dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs to make it look extra appealing!
- Portion Control: If you’re making this for a crowd, consider using smaller baking dishes for easy individual servings.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your leftovers fresh and delicious, follow these handy tips:
Refrigerated
- Duration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Type of Container: Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for best results.
Freezed
- If Possible: You can freeze the bake for up to 2 months.
- Packaging: Wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
- Defrosting: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Best Method: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover it to avoid drying out the dish.
Guaranteed Success Tips
To help you achieve the best results with your bake, here are some golden rules to follow:
- Do not skip the resting time: Letting the dish sit after baking allows flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions and garlic will enhance the dish’s overall flavor, so opt for real garlic instead of powder if possible.
- Check for doneness: Make sure to taste the rice before serving to confirm it’s cooked to your liking!
- Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on the cheese on top to prevent it from burning or becoming too tough.
Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying these fun variations:
- For a spicy version: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture for a kick.
- For a veggie-packed option: Stir in some frozen peas, diced carrots, or bell peppers along with the beef mixture for added freshness.
- For a gluten-free alternative: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and make sure your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My bake came out too watery. What did I do wrong?
A: This often happens if too much broth was added or the bake was covered too tightly. Make sure to follow the liquid measurements and keep an eye on the baking time.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook. Be sure to use twice the amount of broth as well!
Q: What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
A: You can substitute with soy sauce or a mixture of vinegar and a bit of sugar. It won’t be the exact same flavor, but it’ll add a nice umami note.
Q: Is it okay to use leftover cooked rice for this dish?
A: Absolutely! Just reduce the total cooking time, as the rice is already cooked. Mix it in when you combine the other ingredients.
Q: How can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup and substitute nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative for the shredded cheese.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the dish in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: What should I serve it with?
A: A crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables make a perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of this bake.
Now that you have a detailed guide to the Creamy Garlic Mushroom Hamburger Rice Bake, you’re all set to make this fantastic meal! Enjoy every comforting bite, and happy cooking!
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Hamburger Rice Bake
Ingredients Â
Main Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef (80–90% lean) Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Alternatively, use 1 tsp garlic powder.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice Alternatively, use 3 cups cooked rice.
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup Homemade version can be used.
- 2 cups hot beef broth Plus more as needed.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup sour cream Optional; can substitute with Greek yogurt.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme Or use ½ tsp of dried.
- ½–¾ tsp black pepper
- to taste Kosher salt
- 1–2 tbsp butter or olive oil For greasing the pan.
- 2 cups shredded cheese, divided Mozzarella or Swiss/Gruyère.
- for garnish Chopped parsley or chives
InstructionsÂ
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely diced onion until the meat is browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, 1½ cups of hot beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, sour cream (if using), and 1 cup of shredded cheese until well combined.
- Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over the rice and drizzle the remaining ½ cup of broth around the edges.
Baking
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the rice is tender. If the rice isn’t tender yet, add an additional ¼–½ cup of broth and bake for another 8 to 12 minutes.
- Uncover the dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.