If you’re looking for a dish that checks all the boxes-comforting, quick, and absolutely delicious-you’ve come to the right place. This Ground Beef Rice Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe is a hearty, one-pan meal that will fill you up and leave you satisfied. It’s the perfect go-to for busy weeknights when you need something that’s both simple and comforting. Imagine the savory flavors of tender ground beef and rice, all cooked together in a creamy mushroom sauce that makes every bite indulgent. Trust me, this meal is a total crowd-pleaser!
Whether you’re cooking for a family or just want to prep something ahead of time, this recipe is versatile enough to suit different tastes and dietary needs. And the best part? You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. With a few pantry staples, you can whip up a delicious, satisfying meal in no time.
Let’s break this recipe down step by step and explore how you can make the most of this simple, yet flavorful dish.
Ground Beef Rice Cream Of Mushroom Soup Recipe
This recipe is a wonderful combination of ground beef, rice, and creamy mushroom soup, all simmered together to create a rich, hearty meal. The cream of mushroom soup is key to adding that velvety texture and deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the ground beef and rice.
Ingredients Needed
For this dish, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. These are likely things you already have in your pantry and fridge, so it’s a super convenient recipe to make in a pinch.
- 1 lb ground beef – You can use lean or regular beef, depending on your preference. If you want to lighten it up, you could even swap it for ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 cup rice – Long grain or jasmine rice works best, but you can use whatever type of rice you have available.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – This adds the creamy texture and rich flavor base that ties everything together.
- 1 cup beef broth – To give the dish more depth, the beef broth helps to make the sauce extra flavorful and brings everything to the right consistency.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds a savory base flavor that complements the beef and mushrooms.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic makes everything better, right? It’ll infuse the dish with a lovely aromatic flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning and balancing the rich flavors.
- Optional: 1/2 cup grated cheese – For extra creaminess and a little cheesy goodness on top.
- Optional: Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) – For garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, here’s how to cook this dish step by step:
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Brown The Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
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Add Onion And Garlic
Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This will help build flavor before adding the soup and rice.
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Stir In Rice
Add the rice to the pan and stir it in with the beef and onion mixture, allowing the rice to toast slightly in the pan for 1-2 minutes. This helps the rice absorb all the wonderful flavors.
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Add Soup And Broth
Now, pour in the can of cream of mushroom soup and the beef broth. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
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Check For Seasoning
After the rice is cooked, taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you want, sprinkle a bit of grated cheese on top, cover the pan, and let it melt for a creamy finish.
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Serve
Once everything is combined and the cheese is melted (if using), garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Here’s a quick rundown of some key ingredients that make this recipe shine:
- Ground Beef: Ground beef is an affordable, protein-packed choice for this recipe. It provides a rich, savory base that enhances the creaminess of the mushroom soup. Choosing lean ground beef will help reduce the fat content, but if you’re craving that extra richness, opt for a higher fat percentage for more flavor.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This canned staple not only makes the dish creamy, but it also infuses the meal with earthy, umami-rich flavors from the mushrooms. You could swap it for cream of chicken soup or another flavor if you’re not a fan of mushrooms, but the classic choice brings a depth of taste you can’t replace.
- Rice: Rice acts as the perfect base for this dish, soaking up the creamy mushroom sauce and holding all the flavors together. It’s versatile and makes the meal feel substantial without being too heavy.
Expert Tips
To ensure this dish turns out perfect every time, here are a few expert tips:
- Brown the Beef Properly: Don’t rush the browning process. Let the beef cook until it develops a rich, deep brown color before adding the onions and garlic. This will enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Use a Lid: When you cover the pan to let the rice cook, make sure it’s a tight-fitting lid. This traps the moisture and helps the rice cook evenly without drying out.
- Use a Non-stick Pan: This will make it easier to handle and prevent any sticking, especially when dealing with the creamy soup.
- Add Vegetables: If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, try adding peas, carrots, or even spinach. These ingredients won’t just boost nutrition; they’ll also add a pop of color and texture to the dish.
- Simmer Gently: Once you’ve added the broth and soup, let the mixture simmer on low heat. This allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb all the flavorful liquid without burning.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations to try:
- Swap the Beef: For a leaner version, use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some frozen peas, diced carrots, or mushrooms to amp up the vegetable content.
- Cheese Lovers: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra creaminess, or top the dish with melted cheese before serving.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Creamy Mushroom Upgrade: If you’re a mushroom lover, you can sauté some fresh mushrooms along with the onions and garlic for added texture and flavor.
Final Words
This Ground Beef Rice Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe is all about simplicity and comfort. It’s one of those meals that’s perfect for a busy evening when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The creamy texture, savory beef, and tender rice come together in a way that feels both homey and special. Plus, it’s super adaptable, so you can tweak it to fit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.