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
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C), preparing for a comforting meal preparation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Smoothly distribute the combined mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer that promises consistent cooking and texture.
- 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.
- Once rice reaches desired softness, remove foil and generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the surface, creating a golden, melty topping.
- Switch oven to broil and return dish for approximately 3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a beautiful golden-brown cheese crust without burning.
- 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