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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Warm up the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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