Comforting Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

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

Savory ground beef mingles with fluffy rice in a hearty, one-pan wonder.

Busy home cooks appreciate simple meals that satisfy hunger without complex preparation.

Cheese melts perfectly across the top, creating a golden, irresistible crust.

Every forkful promises warmth and flavor that remind you of childhood dinners.

Quick and budget-friendly, this casserole transforms basic ingredients into something magical.

Dig in and savor every delicious bite of this classic, no-fuss meal.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Overview

• Rescue Weeknight Dinners: This one-pan wonder saves you from kitchen chaos, combining protein, grains, and flavor in a single comforting dish that requires minimal cleanup.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour this hearty casserole, packed with familiar ingredients that satisfy even picky eaters while delivering a nutritious meal.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Ground beef and simple pantry staples make this recipe wallet-friendly, stretching ingredients to create a filling meal that feeds multiple mouths without breaking the bank.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily swap ingredients or add vegetables to personalize the casserole, making it adaptable to your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• Uncooked Rice: The starchy component that absorbs flavors and provides a satisfying texture to the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: These creamy soups create a rich and smooth sauce that binds the ingredients together.
• Water: Helps to cook the rice and create the proper moisture in the casserole.

• Onions, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients add depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: A melty, golden topping that adds a delicious cheesy finish to the dish.

How to Make Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C), getting ready for a mouthwatering casserole adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Meat and Onions

In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onions over medium heat.

Let the fat drain away, keeping things lean and delicious.

• Ground beef
• Onions

Step 3: Create the Flavor Fusion

• Cooked beef
• Uncooked rice
• Creamy soups
• Water

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to make the flavors dance.

Step 4: Prepare the Casserole Vessel

Grease up a casserole dish and pour in your scrumptious mixture, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: First Baking Session

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for a full hour, allowing all the flavors to mingle and merge.

Step 6: Cheese Crown

Pull the casserole out of the oven and give it a gentle stir.

Then, shower the top with a blanket of shredded cheese.

Step 7: Final Crispy Finish

Return the uncovered dish to the oven for 10 more minutes.

Watch the cheese transform into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. Once it’s melted and irresistible, your hamburger rice casserole is ready to devour!

Tips for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the casserole less oily.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove extra starch and prevent a sticky texture.
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream soups or homemade cream sauce replacement.
• Allow casserole to rest 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Flavor Variations for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Bake: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu, textured vegetable protein, or black beans. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for more nutrition.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Swap rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates. Keep the same cheese and soup base for rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream soups and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Ensure no cross-contamination during preparation.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Casserole: Add diced green chilies, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning into the beef mixture for a zesty southwestern kick.

Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Comfort Crew Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that gives everyone a satisfying crunch.
• Family Fiesta Plate: Top each serving with fresh chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream for a zesty Mexican-inspired twist.
• Veggie Power-Up: Roast some seasonal vegetables like broccoli or zucchini on the side to add extra nutrition and color to this classic comfort dish.
• Quick Lunch Makeover: Pack leftovers in a lunch container with a small container of extra cheese for a delicious next-day meal that reheats perfectly.

Storage Guidelines for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the casserole to a shallow, wide container to help it cool quickly and evenly before refrigerating.
• Wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap or use a lid to prevent moisture loss and avoid absorbing other food odors.

FAQs

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

You can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or a homemade white sauce as alternatives to cream of mushroom soup.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more water.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

• Can I make this dish less fatty?

Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7), low-fat soups, and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter version of the casserole.

Quick Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty hamburger rice casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to midwestern dinner tables. Savory ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that families will eagerly enjoy together.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup (236 milliliters) uncooked rice

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, chopped

Soups and Liquid:

• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1.5 cups (354 milliliters) water

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine ground beef and diced onions in a skillet, cooking over medium heat until meat turns completely brown and loses its pink color; carefully drain excess fat.
2. Transfer the cooked meat mixture into a spacious mixing bowl, incorporating uncooked rice, condensed soups, and water; generously season with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution.
3. Transfer the entire prepared mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
4. Securely cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture during baking.
5. Place the covered dish in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) and bake for approximately 60 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
6. Carefully remove the casserole from the oven, gently stir the contents to redistribute moisture and prevent sticking.
7. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the surface of the casserole.
8. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a crispy, not soggy casserole texture.
• Opt for long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for better separation and fluffier consistency.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms during beef browning to boost nutritional value and introduce extra flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 471 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg