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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
- 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.
- Combine the cooked ground beef mixture with prepared rice in a mixing bowl, creating a hearty base for the casserole.
- 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.
- Transfer the mixed ingredients to a casserole dish, spreading them out to create an even layer.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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.
- 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