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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the entire prepared mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Securely cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture during baking.
- 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.
- Carefully remove the casserole from the oven, gently stir the contents to redistribute moisture and prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the surface of the casserole.
- 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