The Juiciest Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a delightful hamburger rice casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic one-pan meal.

Savory ground beef mingles with fluffy rice, creating a satisfying combination.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions that everyone appreciates.

Families will quickly fall in love with this no-fuss recipe.

Minimal preparation meets maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing dish.

You’ll want to make this casserole again and again for its irresistible appeal.

Hamburger Rice Casserole: What You Need to Know

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine all ingredients in one dish for a hassle-free meal that comes together quickly with minimal kitchen cleanup.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Create a hearty, filling casserole using affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and pantry staples that won't break the bank.
• Kid-Approved Flavor Explosion: Packed with cheesy goodness and familiar ingredients, this dish wins over picky eaters and satisfies the whole family's hunger.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline cooking by using a single skillet for browning meat and a casserole dish for baking, making meal preparation a breeze.

Ingredients for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Rice: A fluffy base that absorbs the savory flavors of the dish and adds texture.
• Cheese: A creamy topping that melts beautifully and creates a golden, appetizing crust.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy binder that adds moisture and depth to the casserole.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: A tangy ingredient that adds moisture and brightness to the casserole.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

How to Cook Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for a delicious casserole adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Meat

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic.

Break up the meat as it browns, creating a flavorful base for your dish.

Drain any excess fat to keep things light and tasty.

Step 3: Create the Casserole Mixture

• Cooked rice
• Browned beef mixture
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Diced tomatoes
• Your favorite seasonings (salt, pepper, or herbs)

Stir everything together until well mixed, creating a mouth-watering blend of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Prep for Baking

Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top, creating a golden, melty crown for your casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly.

The edges should be slightly crispy, and the center hot and steamy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Scoop out generous portions and watch your family or friends dive into this comforting, delicious meal.

Pro Tips for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the casserole's hearty flavor.
• Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and reduced-salt seasonings to manage overall salt content without losing taste.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by adding chopped bell peppers, spinach, or frozen mixed vegetables to the rice mixture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or a Mexican blend for unique flavor profiles.
• Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep strategy.

Flavor Variations of Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Veggie Lover's Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version, keeping all other ingredients the same.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the casserole's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, replace diced tomatoes with salsa, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Family Feast Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette for balanced nutrition and fresh contrast.
• Comfort Side Kick: Add warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the delicious casserole sauce and complete the meal.
• Veggie Boost Plate: Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted seasonal vegetables to increase vegetable intake and add colorful nutrition.
• Protein Plus Option: Top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle extra sharp cheddar for added richness and flavor complexity.

Storage Tips for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole 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, storing for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of ground beef, rice, and cheese makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser for children and adults alike.

• 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.

• What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?

No worries! You can replace it with cream of chicken soup or make a simple white sauce as a substitute.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Try adding diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to boost the nutritional value and add extra color and texture to the casserole.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger rice casserole blends comforting Midwestern flavors with simple ingredients. Ground beef, rice, and cheese create a satisfying one-pan meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups cooked rice

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
2. In a large skillet, sauté ground beef with finely chopped onions and minced garlic until the meat is thoroughly browned and the aromatics are translucent.
3. Combine the cooked ground beef mixture with prepared rice in a mixing bowl, creating a hearty base for the casserole.
4. Incorporate cream of mushroom soup and diced tomatoes into the beef and rice mixture, stirring to distribute the ingredients evenly and create a cohesive filling.
5. Transfer the mixed ingredients to a casserole dish, spreading them out to create an even layer.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly surface.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for lean turkey or plant-based crumbles to reduce fat and accommodate different dietary needs.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat cheese to make the dish healthier without sacrificing taste.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, Mexican blend, or pepper jack to customize the casserole’s flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg