Easy Beef Stroganoff with Rice and Cheese: Creamy, dreamy, cheesy goodness.

A Cozy Kitchen Memory

My grandson calls this his “cloudy day dinner.” It always makes him smile. I learned to make it from my own mother on a rainy afternoon.

She showed me how the creamy sauce hugs the rice. It feels like a warm hug from the inside. That is why this meal matters. It turns a regular Tuesday into something special.

Let’s Get Chopping

First, chop your onion, celery, and mushrooms. The sizzle in the pan is the best sound. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It means good food is coming.

I still laugh at that one time I used a whole onion. My eyes would not stop watering! Now I know half is plenty. What is your favorite vegetable to chop?

The Secret is in the Sauce

This is where the magic happens. You mix the soup, milk, and sour cream. It becomes so smooth and rich. The Worcestershire sauce is the quiet hero.

It adds a little deep flavor you cannot quite name. Fun fact: Worcestershire sauce is fermented! It sits in barrels for over a year. That is why it tastes so unique.

Why We Layer Everything

Putting the rice down first makes a cozy bed. Then you add the cheese and saucy beef. The final cheese blanket on top is the best part.

Layering matters because every bite gets a bit of everything. You get fluffy rice, savory meat, and creamy sauce all at once. Do you like your cheese extra bubbly and brown?

A Dish for Sharing

This casserole is meant to be shared. It brings everyone to the table. That is the second reason this meal matters. It makes a busy house feel calm for a moment.

It is a simple recipe, but it feeds more than just our bodies. It feeds our time together. What is a meal that makes you feel cozy and happy?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
white rice	2 cups
hamburger	¾ pound
cream of mushroom soup	1 can
Horizon Organic Butter	1 tablespoon
yellow onion	½ large
celery	½ stick
Horizon Organic Milk	½ cup
Horizon Organic Sour Cream	½ cup
salt	1 teaspoon
ground black pepper	¼ teaspoon
minced garlic	1 ½ teaspoon	divided
Worcestershire sauce	1 teaspoon
mushrooms	1 ½ cups
Horizon Organic Monterey Jack Shredded Cheese	2 cups

My Cozy Beef Stroganoff Casserole

This recipe always reminds me of my grandson, Leo. He calls it “cheesy noodle-less pasta.” I still laugh at that. It is creamy, dreamy, and so comforting. The smell fills your whole kitchen with warmth. It feels like a big hug on a chilly evening. Let’s make some cheesy goodness together.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups uncooked rice
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic, divided
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

Step 1: First, cook your rice according to package directions. While it cooks, chop your onion, celery, and mushrooms.

Step 2: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and mushrooms along with one teaspoon of garlic. Cook until the celery is soft, then transfer the vegetables to a bowl.

Step 3: In the same pan, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, then drain any excess grease. Stir in the remaining garlic and the Worcestershire sauce.

Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream, stirring until smooth. Stir in the salt, pepper, and the cooked vegetables. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Lightly grease a casserole dish. Spread the cooked rice evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the rice.

Step 6: Carefully pour the beef mixture over the rice and cheese layer. Top with the remaining cheese. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, or until the center is bubbly. Broil for 2 minutes to brown the top.

Cook Time: 30min
Total Time: 40mins
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change things up. Here are some fun ideas if you’re feeling creative.

Chicken & Herb: Use ground chicken instead of beef. Add a spoonful of fresh dill.

Super Veggie: Skip the meat and add a bag of frozen mixed vegetables.

Little Bit Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

This casserole is a full meal by itself. But I love to add a little something on the side. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect. You could also serve it with some buttery green beans.

For a drink, a cold glass of milk is always a winner. For the grown-ups, a pale ale beer pairs wonderfully.

Keeping Your Stroganoff Cozy

This casserole keeps well in the fridge for three days. Just cover it tightly with foil. You can also freeze it for a cozy future meal. Let it cool completely first.

I remember my first time freezing a casserole. I was so proud of my future self. On a busy night, dinner was already made. This is why batch cooking matters. It gives you a night off from cooking.

To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Warm it in a 350° oven until bubbly. Add a splash of milk if the sauce looks thick. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups

Is your sauce too thick? Just stir in a little more milk. This will make it creamy again. I once added too much rice and it soaked up all the sauce. A little extra milk fixed everything.

If your veggies are still crunchy, you did not cook them long enough. Saute them until the celery is soft. This matters for the final texture. No one wants a crunchy surprise in a creamy dish.

Is your cheese not browning? Your broiler is your best friend. Just watch it closely so it does not burn. Getting a golden top makes the meal feel extra special. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Stroganoff Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. The rest of the ingredients are naturally safe.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Assemble the whole dish the day before. Keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready to bake.

Q: What if I do not like mushrooms? A: You can leave them out. The soup still gives you that wonderful creamy flavor.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: For sure. Use a 9×13 inch pan. You will just need to bake it a few minutes longer.

Q: Any optional add-ins? A: A dash of paprika adds a nice, smoky flavor. *Fun fact: Paprika comes from dried red peppers!* Which tip will you try first?

Until Next Time, From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope this recipe brings warmth to your table. It is a hug in a baking dish. Cooking for others is a way to show you care.

I would love to see your creation. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Sharing food stories connects us all. Thank you for cooking with me today.

Happy cooking!

—Anna Whitmore.