1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2️⃣ Brown the Beef:
In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease and set aside. Cover with foil to keep warm.

3️⃣ Sauté the Onions & Garlic:
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add diced onions and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

4️⃣ Cook the Rice:
Add beef broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 10 minutes. Add mushrooms, cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes (check rice package for exact cooking times). Do not stir during cooking.

5️⃣ Let the Rice Rest:
Turn off heat but leave the pot covered for 10 minutes to allow the rice to finish cooking. This prevents sticking.

6️⃣ Mix Everything Together:
Stir in cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.

7️⃣ Assemble & Bake:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

8️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve hot! Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired.