Creamy Rice Casserole

I had something else planned for today, but it's now 11:30 pm and I"m STILL grading papers, so I'm publishing this recipe that I had ready to go for next week instead. ;)
My mom used to make this rice casserole for us growing up and it's probably my biggest comfort food. It's creamy and simple and super tasty.

I was making a GIANT batch of this - I package it up in single servings for lunch and Dave enjoys it as well. To make a single batch you'll need... - Chopped celery - Chopped onion - Fresh mushrooms (to taste) - Mircowaveable rice - One can cream of mushroom soup - Milk - 1 pound ground beef

Random tip - I buy meat in bulk at Sam's and freeze the extra in quart size ziploc bags. I used to just throw about a pound in a bag and toss it in the freezer, but I've started putting the pound in the ziploc and then flattening it all out and stacking them in the freezer. They thaw much quicker and stack nicely in the freezer.

Chop up some celery and onion (it's really up to you and your taste how much or how little).

Toss the chopped veggies in with your ground beef. Brown and drain.

After the meat is drained, pour in one can of cream of mushroom soup and then fill that can with milk and pour it in as well.

Once the milk/soup/meat mixture is boiling, throw in one can or so full of rice (I was making a double batch, hence all the rice).

Lower the heat and cook about 5 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is done. This is the point where I'd usually throw in some chopped fresh mushrooms, but since I can't really hide them all that well in this casserole (as opposed to spaghetti sauce) and I wanted the kids to eat this without having a panic attack I just left them out.

Make sure you stir it often, as the milk can burn on the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm. Simple. Easy. Filling and yum!

So what's your favorite comfort food? Did your mom or dad make something for you growing up that holds magical comfort powers??? Do tell! :)