Creamy Beef & Mushroom Rice Bake (Mediterranean-Style)

⭐ Overview

A hearty baked rice casserole enhanced with Mediterranean herbs, caramelized mushrooms, ground beef, olive oil, and a creamy yogurt-based sauce.

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🧾 Ingredients (4–6 servings)

For the beef & mushrooms

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp cumin

• Optional: pinch of chili flakes or Aleppo pepper

For the rice

• 1 ½ cups long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)

• 3 cups beef or chicken broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

For the creamy Mediterranean topping

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• ½ cup milk (or broth)

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup grated kefalotyri, parmesan, or pecorino

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

• Optional: pinch of nutmeg

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🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the beef and mushrooms

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan.

2. Add onions; sauté until soft.

3. Add beef; cook until browned.

4. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms reduce.

5. Add salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and cumin. Set aside.

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2. Prepare the rice

1. Rinse rice.

2. In a casserole dish or pot, combine rice, broth, olive oil, and salt.

3. Bring to a simmer on the stove OR cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, until rice is almost cooked.

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3. Combine into the bake

1. Stir the cooked beef–mushroom mixture into the rice.

2. Smooth the top and prepare the creamy layer.

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4. Make the creamy topping

1. In a bowl whisk Greek yogurt, milk, eggs, cheese, lemon juice, and parsley.

2. Pour evenly over the beef–rice mixture.

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5. Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and set.

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🍽️ Serving Tips

• Top with more parsley, crumbled feta, or a drizzle of olive oil.

• Add roasted red peppers for a more Mediterranean profile.

• Serve with a simple cucumber–tomato salad.