Family-Pleasing Hamburger & Rice Casserole Recipe

Crafting a hearty hamburger and rice casserole brings comfort to your dinner table like nothing else.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle with fluffy rice in a delicious one-pan meal.

Families adore this simple yet satisfying dish that comes together quickly.

Creamy textures and rich flavors make every bite memorable and filling.

Cheese melts perfectly over the top, creating a golden-brown crust that promises deliciousness.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with this no-fuss recipe that delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Hamburger & Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the beef mixture.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall savory taste of the dish.

• Mushrooms: Provide an earthy texture and additional umami flavor.
• Spinach: Adds nutritional value and a touch of green to the casserole.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Contributes extra nutrients and color to the dish.

• Instant Rice: Serves as the primary carbohydrate and helps bind the casserole together.
• Cream of Celery Soup: Creates a creamy base and adds richness to the dish.
• Sour Cream: Provides a tangy flavor and helps keep the casserole moist.
• Water: Helps cook the rice and create the right consistency.
• Oregano: Brings a classic herb flavor to the casserole.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall taste.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a melty, golden finish to the casserole.

How to Make Hamburger & Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for our delicious casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, start sizzling your ground beef over medium heat.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the beef turns a rich brown and loses its pink color. Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Mix All the Goodness

• Cooked beef mixture
• Sliced mushrooms
• Dried oregano
• Fresh spinach
• Instant rice
• Water
• Cream of celery soup
• Sour cream
• Frozen mixed vegetables
• Salt and pepper to taste

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

The rice should become tender and the flavors will mingle beautifully.

Step 6: Cheese and Finish

Pull the casserole out and remove the foil.

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese across the top. Pop it under the broiler for about 3 minutes until the cheese melts and turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this amazing dish!

Tips for Hamburger & Rice Casserole Success

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option that reduces saturated fat intake.
• Boost vegetable content by adding extra chopped bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value and fiber.
• Opt for low-sodium cream of celery soup to control salt levels and make the dish more heart-friendly.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and keep the meal exciting.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation faster and easier.

Variations on Hamburger & Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, keeping all other ingredients the same for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Swap instant rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and create a keto-friendly alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Use gluten-free cream of celery soup and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Substitute oregano with fresh basil and thyme, add crumbled feta cheese on top, and include diced bell peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Pairing Ideas for Hamburger & Rice Casserole

• Complement the rich, creamy casserole with a medium-bodied white wine that cuts through the dish's hearty texture and balances its savory profile.
• Create a light, refreshing contrast with a mixed greens salad featuring cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the casserole's warmth.
• Add a vibrant vegetable side with tender-crisp asparagus roasted with garlic and olive oil, providing a bright green accompaniment that adds nutritional depth.

Storage Tips for Hamburger & Rice Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.

Place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

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

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even ground lamb for a different flavor profile.

• Is instant rice necessary for this recipe?

If you don’t have instant rice, you can use regular rice, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks properly.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cream of celery soup, and reduced-fat sour cream and cheese to create a lighter version of the casserole.

Hamburger & Rice Casserole: Comfort Food Classic

• Crush Kitchen Complexity: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this hamburger and rice casserole requires minimal cooking techniques and simple ingredient mixing.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Dinner: Packed with protein from ground beef, vitamins from vegetables, and balanced carbohydrates from rice, this one-dish meal delivers complete nutrition in a single serving.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser Meal: Guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults with its comforting blend of familiar ingredients and hearty flavors that appeal to multiple taste preferences.
• Quick Cleanup Champion: Using just one skillet and a baking dish means minimal kitchen mess and faster post-dinner cleaning, making this recipe a stress-free cooking experience.

Hamburger & Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty hamburger & rice casserole delivers pure comfort with ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese in one satisfying dish. Warm family-style meals like these promise nostalgic flavors that welcome you home with each delicious, homemade bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 cup (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 can (8 ounces/226 grams) sliced mushrooms, drained
• 1 package (10 ounces/283 grams) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) frozen mixed vegetables

Pantry and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (185 grams) instant rice
• 1 1/4 cups (296 milliliters) water
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of celery soup
• 1/3 cup (76 grams) sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C), preparing for a comforting meal preparation.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic over medium heat, ensuring the meat is completely cooked and no pink remains. Carefully drain excess fat to keep the dish light.
3. Transfer the cooked beef mixture into a spacious mixing bowl, incorporating mushrooms, dried oregano, fresh spinach, instant rice, water, cream of celery soup, sour cream, frozen mixed vegetables, and season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profiles.
4. Smoothly distribute the combined mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer that promises consistent cooking and texture.
5. Securely cover the dish with aluminum foil, then slide into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, allowing the rice to become perfectly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.
6. Once rice reaches desired softness, remove foil and generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the surface, creating a golden, melty topping.
7. Switch oven to broil and return dish for approximately 3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a beautiful golden-brown cheese crust without burning.
8. Remove from oven and let casserole rest for a few minutes, allowing flavors to settle and making serving easier and more enjoyable.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein alternative that reduces saturated fat intake.
• Boost vegetable content by adding extra nutrient-dense ingredients like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or kale to increase vitamins and fiber.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cream of celery soup and checking that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Make ahead and freeze the casserole before baking for a convenient meal prep option that stays fresh for up to 3 months when stored in an airtight container.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 414 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg