Quick & Cozy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting a delectable hamburger rice casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Satisfying meals often start with simple ingredients that pack immense flavor.

Hearty combinations of ground beef and fluffy rice create magic in one pan.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions that don’t compromise taste or nutrition.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that come together effortlessly while delivering maximum satisfaction.

Families will devour this classic dish that combines familiar flavors in unexpected ways.

One skillet can change everything about your evening meal routine.

Dig into this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises warmth and deliciousness in every single bite.

What Makes Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe So Popular

• Whip Up a Comforting Meal in No Time: This hamburger rice casserole offers a perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy families.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or add extra vegetables like peas or carrots to boost nutrition and personalize the dish.
• Budget-Friendly Deliciousness: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and pantry staples, creating a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimal prep work, simple cooking process, and easy cleanup make this recipe a go-to for home cooks seeking convenience and flavor.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Breakdown

• Ground Beef: Rich meat base with deep flavor, choose lean ground beef for less grease and better texture.
• Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth to the meat, fresh onion recommended for best results.

• Long-Grain Rice: Fluffy base for the casserole, uncooked rice will absorb all the delicious flavors.
• Beef Broth: Adds rich savory liquid to cook rice and enhance overall meat flavor.
• Milk: Helps create creamy consistency and softens the casserole's texture.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates smooth, creamy sauce with extra umami depth.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding sharp tangy richness to the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide balanced seasoning and extra aromatic notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all other flavors, adjust to personal taste.
• Parsley: Fresh herb garnish that adds color and light herbal freshness.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Preparation

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a casserole dish.

Give the dish a quick spray or light grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef and onions into a skillet.

Cook and stir until the meat transforms into a delicious golden brown color.

Drain away any extra fat that pools in the pan.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together so the spices hug the meat.

Step 4: Create the Casserole Base

• Seasoned beef mixture
• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk

Mix everything until it looks like a creamy, hearty blend.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven.

Let it bake for 40-45 minutes until the rice becomes tender and dreamy.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Remove the foil and shower the casserole with cheese.

Pop it back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly golden blanket.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Hamburger Rice Casserole Done Right With Pro Skill

• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the ground beef for an extra umami kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Use long-grain white rice to ensure the grains stay separate and fluffy after baking, preventing a mushy consistency.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative that still delivers delicious results.
• Mix in frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn directly into the casserole for added nutrition and color.
• Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or monterey jack to create unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.

Leftover Storage: Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top if desired.
• For quick reheating, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Side Tips

• Pair Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp lettuce, cucumber, and tomato slices balance the hearty casserole's richness with light, refreshing flavors.
• Match Bold Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complement the beef's robust taste and cut through the creamy cheese texture.
• Select Cool Cucumber Tzatziki: Tangy yogurt-based sauce provides a zesty contrast to the rich, warm casserole, adding bright Mediterranean flair.
• Serve Roasted Broccoli Side: Slightly charred green vegetable brings nutty undertones and adds nutritional balance to the meaty, cheesy dish.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Different Versions

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade cream sauce using gluten-free flour or cornstarch, ensuring the dish remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Swap: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content, maintaining the casserole's hearty texture while cutting down on calories.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or crumbled tofu, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast as a topping, and replace milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk for a lactose-free alternative.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust the broth amount and bake for 10-15 minutes extra to ensure the rice becomes tender.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the original cooking time since it will be cold.

• What type of ground meat works best?

While ground beef is traditional, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives that work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure the meat is fully browned before mixing with other ingredients.

• Can I freeze this hamburger rice casserole?

You can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic hamburger rice casserole brings comfort and simplicity to weeknight dinners, blending hearty ground beef with fluffy rice in a creamy, one-dish wonder. Families will savor this nostalgic meal that combines affordable ingredients with satisfying flavors you can count on.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef

Grains and Rice:

• 1 cup (192 g) long-grain rice, uncooked
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) beef broth

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a casserole dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
2. Brown ground beef and diced onions in a skillet, carefully draining any accumulated fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
3. Season the meat mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution of flavors throughout the protein.
4. Transfer the seasoned beef into the prepared casserole dish, combining it with uncooked rice, rich beef broth, creamy mushroom soup, and smooth milk.
5. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, creating a uniform texture and ensuring all components are well integrated.
6. Securely cover the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
7. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and become perfectly tender.
8. Remove the foil covering and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the casserole’s surface.
9. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, watching the cheese melt and develop a golden, bubbling crust.
10. Finish the casserole with a light garnish of freshly chopped parsley, adding a touch of color and fresh herb flavor before serving.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutritional value and fiber boost.
• For gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian option can be achieved by replacing ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or lentils for protein.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg