Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful hamburger rice casserole that promises to rescue busy weeknight dinners.

Hearty ingredients mingle together, creating a satisfying one-dish wonder that feels like a warm hug.

Lean ground beef and fluffy rice form the perfect partnership in this classic comfort meal.

Rich, savory flavors blend seamlessly, making every forkful a delicious adventure.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Packed with protein and simple ingredients, this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Join me in celebrating an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips To Get The Best Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Boost Beef Flavor: Brown the ground beef on high heat to develop deeper, richer caramelized notes that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Prevent Rice Clumping: Gently stir the rice mixture to ensure even distribution and avoid sticky, uneven cooking throughout the dish.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Allow the cheese to rest for a few minutes after baking to create a perfectly melted, smooth topping that doesn't become rubbery.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version of the classic casserole.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient and time-saving dinner solution.

How To Keep Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Fresh

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Store the hamburger rice casserole for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh and delicious.
• Wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap or use a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and restore the casserole's original creamy texture.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the rice and dairy components may separate and lose their appealing consistency when thawed.
• For best results, consume the casserole within the recommended refrigeration timeframe to enjoy its optimal taste and quality.

Best Sides For Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the hearty beef and rich cheese with a robust cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel, cutting through the casserole's creamy texture and enhancing its savory depth.
• Crisp Salad Sidekick: Balance the casserole's warmth with a fresh green salad featuring tangy vinaigrette, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes to add brightness and counterpoint to the dish's richness.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a malty amber ale or medium-bodied lager that matches the casserole's robust flavors, providing a smooth and slightly hoppy backdrop to the meaty, cheesy comfort food.
• Cool Cucumber Raita: Serve a light, cooling yogurt-based cucumber side dish to cut through the casserole's richness, offering a refreshing contrast and helping to cleanse the palate between bites.

Tasty Twists For Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Swap ground beef for spicy chorizo, add diced green chiles, replace cream of mushroom soup with salsa, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Use ground lamb instead of beef, incorporate oregano and dried basil, substitute cream of mushroom soup with tomato sauce, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Chicken and Vegetable Comfort: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, mix in roasted zucchini and carrots, use cream of chicken soup, and garnish with fresh green onions for a lighter, veggie-packed option.
• Mushroom Lovers' Dream: Keep ground beef, but add sautéed wild mushrooms, use cream of mushroom soup with extra sliced mushrooms, sprinkle with Swiss cheese, and finish with fresh thyme for an earthy, umami-rich variation.

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole FAQ Roundup

• Why use cream of mushroom soup in this casserole?

The cream of mushroom soup adds rich, creamy flavor and helps bind the ingredients together, creating a smooth and comforting texture that makes the dish extra delicious and satisfying.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to customize the recipe according to your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, this hamburger rice casserole is incredibly economical. It uses simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned soup, making it a perfect budget-friendly meal that feeds a family without breaking the bank.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like frozen peas, diced carrots, or spinach to boost the nutritional value. These additions will provide more vitamins, minerals, and fiber while keeping the recipe’s delicious, comforting essence intact.

What Makes Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole So Comforting

• Whip Up a Speedy Weeknight Meal: This hamburger rice casserole delivers a delicious dinner solution in under an hour, perfect for busy families needing a quick and satisfying meal without complicated preparation.
• Maximize Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with familiar ingredients like ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, this casserole offers crowd-pleasing flavors that both kids and adults will love, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• Transform Pantry Staples into a Hearty Dish: Using simple, readily available ingredients, this recipe turns basic pantry items into a filling and nutritious one-dish wonder that requires minimal cooking skills and cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Home cooks can effortlessly modify the recipe by swapping proteins, adding vegetables, or experimenting with different cheese types to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.

What You Need For Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich source of protein, provides hearty base for the casserole.
• Onion, Bell Pepper: Adds depth of flavor and nutrition to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic and savory undertones to the beef.

• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall meaty flavor.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates creamy texture and adds rich, umami taste.
• Milk: Helps to soften rice and create smooth consistency.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings complex, tangy depth to the dish.

• Rice: Serves as the primary starch and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet flavor and beautiful color.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides creamy, melty topping with sharp flavor.
• Parsley: Optional fresh garnish for bright color and light herbal note.

How To Make Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Easily

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown The Meat Magic

• Ground beef
• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Cook everything until the beef turns a rich brown and vegetables soften. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it dance around for a minute. Carefully drain any extra grease.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Mixture

• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Whole milk
• Worcestershire sauce
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until it looks smooth and well-mixed.

Step 4: Layer The Deliciousness

Transfer the cooked beef into your prepared baking dish. Pour the rice mixture over the top and gently blend everything together.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice turns tender and liquid disappears.

Step 6: Cheese Crown

Pull out the casserole and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously. Return to the oven uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top if you want extra color. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with big smiles!

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty hamburger rice casserole that brings family-friendly flavors to your dinner table. Ground beef, fluffy rice, and creamy cheese unite in a satisfying one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 grams) uncooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces or 300 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese and Garnish:

• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm up the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious skillet, transform the ground beef into a rich, golden-brown landscape, simultaneously sautéing diced onions and bell peppers until they become translucent and tender. Introduce minced garlic for a brief moment to awaken its aromatic essence, then carefully eliminate any excess fatty residue.
3. Craft a harmonious blend in a generously sized mixing bowl by combining uncooked rice, savory beef broth, creamy mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients into a unified mixture that promises depth and complexity.
4. Elegantly transfer the seasoned beef medley into the prepared baking dish, then cascade the rice and broth concoction over the top. Gently intermingle the layers to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
5. Envelop the dish completely with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that will help steam and soften the rice. Slide into the preheated oven and allow the casserole to transform for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice reaches perfect tenderness and absorbs all the liquid.
6. Unveil the casserole and crown it with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven, now uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes to create a molten, golden cheese topping that bubbles enticingly.
7. Allow the casserole a brief moment to settle and cool, which will help it maintain its structure. If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a touch of vibrant color and fresh herbaceous notes. Serve immediately while still warm and inviting.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole, ensuring a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version with less fat but still maintaining rich flavor.
• Customize the dish by swapping white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutritional value and different texture.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg