The Irresistible Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty hamburger rice casserole that promises to satisfy your hunger with minimal effort.

A skillet becomes your culinary canvas for blending ground beef, fluffy rice, and savory seasonings.

Busy weeknight warriors rejoice as this one-pan wonder simplifies dinner preparation without sacrificing flavor.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace from your kitchen.

Cheese melts into golden pools, adding richness to every delectable bite.

Creamy textures and robust flavors make this dish a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab a fork and prepare to be delighted by this easy, no-fuss dinner solution that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Ingredient Details

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat that forms the main protein of the casserole, choose lean beef for less grease.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base for the meat, fresh yellow or white onions work best.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy element that provides moisture and rich flavor to the casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Additional creamy component that enhances the overall texture and taste.
• Water: Helps cook the rice and blend the ingredients smoothly.

• Rice: Uncooked grain that absorbs flavors and creates a filling base for the casserole.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, savory flavor without fresh garlic chunks.
• Paprika: Provides mild warmth and slight reddish color to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out other flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity to the taste profile.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that provides golden, crispy finish and rich dairy flavor, sharp varieties offer more intense taste.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to retain moisture.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and get ready to create a delicious meal that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Grab a large skillet and cook the ground beef with onions until the meat is perfectly browned and the onions turn soft and translucent.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Mix The Magic

• Uncooked rice
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Water
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until it’s well blended and looks absolutely scrumptious.

Step 4: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and cover it completely with aluminum foil.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for a full hour, letting all those flavors mingle and become super delicious.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly heaven.

Quick-Prep Tips for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Remove as much grease as possible to prevent a soggy casserole and keep the dish lighter.
• Swap white rice for brown rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor to the casserole.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or oregano to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version that's equally delicious and protein-packed.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together before baking for maximum taste impact.

Reheat Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, where it can remain frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated completely through.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What to Serve with Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, hearty beef flavors and cut through the creamy casserole texture.
• Elevate with Fresh Green Salad: Create a crisp mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness and add refreshing contrast to the warm dish.
• Match with Tangy Pickles: Serve zesty dill pickle spears or homemade pickle chips to provide a sharp, acidic counterpoint that brightens the comforting casserole's richness.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted broccoli or asparagus with garlic and olive oil to introduce a nutritious, light side that adds color and vegetable nutrition to the meal.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Flavor Changes

• Gluten-Free Hamburger Rice Casserole: Replace cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with gluten-free alternatives or homemade cream sauces using cornstarch as a thickener.
• Low-Sodium Version: Swap regular salt for a low-sodium salt substitute and use low-sodium cream soups to reduce overall sodium content.
• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or diced mushrooms and lentils for a protein-rich vegetarian option.
• Mexican-Inspired Variation: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy southwestern flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy texture, mild seasonings, and cheesy top make this casserole a hit with children who typically enjoy simple, comforting meals.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn directly into the mixture to boost the nutritional value and add extra color and nutrients.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Reasons to Love Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Quick Weeknight Rescue: Simplifies dinner prep with minimal ingredients and hands-on time.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Delivers classic flavors kids and adults will love, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Uses affordable pantry staples like ground beef, rice, and canned soups to create a satisfying one-dish wonder.
• One-Pan Convenience: Requires minimal cleanup with a single skillet and baking dish, perfect for busy households seeking delicious, hassle-free meals.

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hamburger rice casserole, a hearty one-dish meal packed with savory flavors. Cheesy, creamy, and simple to prepare, you’ll love this family-friendly dinner that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Grains and Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped

Canned Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Liquid:

• 2 cups water

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with light cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions over medium heat, ensuring meat is completely cooked and crumbled.
3. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole.
4. Add uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, water, and seasonings directly into the skillet, stirring until ingredients are evenly combined.
5. Transfer the savory beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 55-60 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
8. Remove foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.
9. Return to oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven to allow flavors to settle and facilitate easier serving.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and make the dish healthier.
• Swap cream soups for homemade alternatives to control sodium and preservative levels.
• Experiment with brown rice for added fiber and nutrition, adjusting liquid amounts accordingly.
• Consider adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg