Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake

Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake

Serves: 4–6
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 35–40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1½ cups uncooked rice (basmati or long-grain)

• 300–400 g ground beef

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 200 g mushrooms, sliced

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• 1 cup beef broth (hot)

• 1 cup cream or cooking cream

• ½ cup milk

• ½ cup grated mozzarella or cheddar

• 2 tbsp grated parmesan (optional)

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the beef
   Heat oil/butter in a pan. Add onion and sauté until soft.
   Add garlic, then beef. Cook until browned.

2. Add mushrooms & seasoning
   Stir in mushrooms, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
   Cook until mushrooms release moisture and soften.

3. Prepare the bake
   Grease a baking dish. Spread uncooked rice evenly at the bottom.

4. Layer
   Spoon the beef–mushroom mixture over the rice.

5. Mix liquid
   In a bowl, mix beef broth, cream, and milk.
   Pour evenly over the dish.

6. Cover & bake
   Cover tightly with foil.
   Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes.

7. Add cheese
   Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan on top.
   Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until golden.

8. Rest & serve
   Let it rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Q & A

Q: Can I use cooked rice instead?
Yes. Reduce liquid to 1 cup total and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes.

Q: Can I make it healthier?
Use brown rice, low-fat cream, and add spinach or peas.

Q: Can I freeze this?
Absolutely. Freeze after baking and cooling. Reheat covered.

Q: What can I serve with it?
Simple cucumber salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread.