Tosczak.com Family Tree Recipes

Beef, Rice and Cheese Casserole

This recipe is something from my childhood. It is tasty, inexpensive and quick to make. I have modified the original by adding vegetables (celery mushrooms and bell peppers) increasing the spices and I use a better quality of cheese.

This makes about 4-6 servings and I usually eat it with a couple slices of buttered bread.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium diced onion
  • 1 cup diced Celery
  • 1 cup sliced Mushrooms, optional
  • 1 cup diced green or red bell pepper, optional

  • grated cheddar cheese
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 2 bay leafs
  • 20 oz can of diced tomatoes
  • 10 oz can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup rice

Directions

In a large pan, brown the ground beef

Add the onion, celery and optional mushrooms and bell peppers, cook for a couple minutes until they soften slightly.

Add remaining ingredients (except cheese) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer

After 15 minutes, check that it isn't sticking to the bottom and that there is enough moisture for the rice. add 1/4 cup water if it needs it.

Continue simmering for another 10 minutes then check that the rice is cooked and soft. If it isn't soft then continue simmering for a few more minutes.

Remove bay leafs, add grated cheese, cover and let cheese melt.