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