Simple & Savory Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights

Crafting a hearty hamburger rice casserole brings comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle beautifully with fluffy rice and melted cheese.

Weeknight meals demand simple yet satisfying solutions that everyone loves.

Busy households appreciate dishes packed with flavor and nutrition in one pan.

Kids typically devour this classic combination without hesitation.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a wholesome meal that satisfies hungry appetites.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again for its delicious simplicity.

Why Hamburger Rice Casserole Makes a Hearty Meal

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Combine protein, rice, and cheese in one pan for a satisfying meal that cuts down on kitchen cleanup and cooking steps.
• Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Hearty ground beef, melted cheese, and creamy texture make this casserole a guaranteed winner for picky eaters and family gatherings.
• Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Utilize common kitchen staples like ground beef, rice, canned soup, and cheese to create a delicious meal without complicated shopping trips.
• Quick Prep, Maximum Flavor: Minimal chopping, simple seasoning, and straightforward cooking process mean you can have a delectable dinner on the table with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial protein for the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic aromatics add depth and savory notes to the dish.

• Uncooked Rice: The base grain that absorbs flavors and creates a satisfying texture.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the meaty flavor of the casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides creamy consistency and additional umami taste.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Creates a golden, melty topping that adds richness and visual appeal.

How to Make Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet until it turns a delicious golden brown. Make sure to drain away any extra grease so your casserole doesn’t become oily and heavy.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the same skillet. Let them dance and soften, releasing their incredible fragrant flavors into the meat.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

• Cooked ground beef
• Softened onions and garlic
• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well mixed, creating a rich and comforting blend.

Step 4: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the hearty mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure every bite is packed with deliciousness.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty crown for your casserole.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated oven at 350F.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, irresistible golden blanket.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to increase fiber and nutrient content.
• Enhance flavor by adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the cooking process.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.
• For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredient labels.

Variations to Try with Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version, maintaining the same beef and cheese topping.
• Vegetarian Lentil Alternative: Swap ground beef with brown lentils and use vegetable broth for a plant-based protein-packed casserole.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap cream of mushroom for salsa, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty casserole as the main dish for a comforting weekend meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to gatherings, where its cheesy top and rich flavors will make you the star of the potluck.
• Meal Prep Champion: Divide the casserole into individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches during the busy work week, storing in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Customizable Comfort: Top with crispy breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream to add extra texture and personal flair to this classic dish.

Storage Advice for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store hamburger rice casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents to track storage time.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy, meaty combination and the simple ingredients make it easy to enjoy.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust cooking liquid and time since brown rice takes longer to cook.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Try using lean ground beef, low-sodium broth, and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories and fat.

• What side dishes work well with this casserole?

Steamed vegetables like broccoli or a fresh green salad complement this hearty main dish perfectly.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting hamburger rice casserole brings hearty midwestern flavors to dinner tables across America. Cheesy, savory layers combine ground beef, rice, and creamy sauce for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) uncooked rice
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth

Flavor Enhancers and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheese
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until thoroughly browned.
3. Eliminate excess grease by carefully draining fat from the meat.
4. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
5. Blend uncooked rice, rich beef broth, and creamy mushroom soup into the meat mixture, stirring to ensure even distribution.
6. Season the mixture with complementary salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Gently transfer the savory mixture into a prepared, lightly greased baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty layer.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a bubbling cheese topping and slightly crispy edges.
10. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and ensuring easier serving.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Swap white rice for brown rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
• Consider using low-sodium beef broth and cream of mushroom soup for those watching salt intake.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg