Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a delightful hamburger rice casserole brings comfort and joy to any dinner table.

Hearty ingredients blend together seamlessly in this classic midwestern dish.

Busy home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together.

Layers of ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese create a satisfying one-pan wonder.

Simple pantry staples make this recipe accessible for everyone.

Families will love how the flavors meld into a truly memorable meal.

Why Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Works for Busy Days

• Conquer Weeknight Dinners: One-Pan Comfort Meal that saves you from complicated cooking and cleanup.
• Create Family Memories: Hearty casserole packed with familiar flavors kids and adults will absolutely love, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and pantry staples, delivering maximum satisfaction without breaking the bank.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Simple step-by-step instructions guarantee a delicious dinner with minimal effort, perfect for busy households craving a satisfying meal.

Ingredients Needed for Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the overall dish.

• Uncooked Rice: Creates a filling and satisfying texture for the casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: Provide a creamy and rich sauce that binds the ingredients together.
• Water: Helps cook the rice and create the right consistency for the casserole.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a melty, golden finish and extra richness to the casserole.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps trap moisture and cook the casserole evenly.

Stepwise Instructions for a Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown The Meat And Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, sizzle the ground beef and diced onions together. Cook until the meat turns a rich brown color and the onions become soft and translucent.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Base

• Uncooked rice
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Water
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture is well blended and looks creamy and inviting.

Step 3: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even cooking.

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to lock in all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Initial Baking

Slide the covered dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).

Let it bake for a full hour, allowing the rice to cook and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Add The Cheesy Topping

Remove the foil and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface of the casserole.

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Scoop out generous portions and serve hot, watching as everyone digs into this comforting, cheesy masterpiece.

Handy Tips to Make Your Rice Casserole Even Better

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp, clean flavor profile.
• Opt for long-grain white rice for the best texture and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Choose low-sodium soups to control salt content and customize the dish for health-conscious diners.
• Add frozen mixed vegetables during the final mix for extra nutrition and a pop of color in the casserole.

Exciting Ways to Customize Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with gluten-free alternatives or homemade cream sauces made from cornstarch and broth.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or chopped mushrooms for a protein-rich meat replacement.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap paprika for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the casserole's hearty texture.

Perfect Side Dishes and Drinks with Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, savory flavors of the beef and cheese.
• Serve with Fresh Crisp Salad: Create a green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole and add refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Tangy Pickles: Add dill pickle spears or pickle slices on the side to provide a zesty, acidic note that cuts through the creamy, cheesy texture of the dish.
• Match with Light Beer: Choose a crisp lager or pilsner that will cleanse the palate and provide a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, comforting casserole.

Storage Recommendations for Hamburger Rice Casserole Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Mix in frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn directly into the beef mixture before baking to boost the nutritional value and add more color and texture.

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger rice casserole delivers comfort on a plate, blending savory ground beef with fluffy rice in a creamy, cheesy embrace. Satisfying weeknight dinner comes together quickly, promising smiles around the family table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Starches and Base:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 onion, chopped

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Creamy Components:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups water

Cheese Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C), preparing for a hearty casserole preparation.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onions over medium heat, ensuring meat is fully cooked and onions become translucent.
3. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture to reduce unnecessary greasiness.
4. Incorporate uncooked rice, both cream soups, water, and seasonings into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
5. Carefully transfer the combined ingredients to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
6. Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil to trap moisture during cooking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
8. Remove foil after initial cooking time and distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.
9. Return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven to allow flavors to settle and ease serving.

Notes

• Customize the meat by using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables to boost nutritional value and create more texture in the casserole.
• Choose low-sodium soups to control salt content and make the recipe more heart-healthy for those watching their sodium intake.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or monterey jack to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 498
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg