Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Looking for a comforting, budget-friendly, and easy weeknight dinner? This Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe combines simple ingredients like ground beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese into a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will love. With minimal prep and cooking time, this casserole is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Keep reading to discover all the ingredients, steps, and tips to make this casserole a hit!

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What is Hamburger Rice Casserole?

Hamburger Rice Casserole is a cozy, baked dish that combines seasoned ground beef (often referred to as hamburger), cooked rice, vegetables, and a creamy sauce or cheese to bind everything together. Think of it as a modern twist on classic comfort food—it's filling, easy to make, and uses pantry staples that most families already have on hand. Whether you're looking for an economical meal or a dish that can be easily customized, this casserole checks all the boxes.

Ingredients List for Hamburger Rice Casserole

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. Here's what you'll need for a classic hamburger rice casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz) (or cream of chicken for a different flavor)
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or 3 cups cooked rice)
• 2 cups beef broth (or water, for cooking the rice)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, or any variety you prefer)
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or dried oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredients List for a Healthier Hamburger Rice Casserole

Want to lighten up the dish without compromising flavor? Here’s how you can make it a bit healthier:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10) or ground turkey for less fat
• Brown rice or quinoa for a healthier grain alternative
• Low-sodium cream of mushroom soup or a homemade cream sauce
• Low-fat shredded cheese or a dairy-free alternative
• Fresh or steamed vegetables instead of canned or frozen
• Low-sodium beef broth

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of Hamburger Rice Casserole is how versatile it is. You can easily customize the recipe based on your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

• Protein Variations: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian version.
• Rice Alternatives: Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice work well if you're looking to add more fiber or reduce carbs.
• Vegetable Variety: Fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms add great flavor. You can sauté them with the beef for extra flavor.
• Cheese Choices: Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack cheese for a twist.
• Sauce Variety: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken, cream of celery, or a homemade béchamel sauce if you prefer a cleaner option.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that your ingredients are ready, it’s time to start cooking your Hamburger Rice Casserole. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly comforting dish.

Step 1: Cook the Rice

If you're using uncooked rice, cook 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of beef broth or water. Bring the broth to a boil, add the rice, cover, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Set aside.

If you’re using pre-cooked rice, skip this step.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Mixture

Once the beef is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, cooked rice, frozen mixed vegetables, and thyme. Mix everything together until well combined. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to loosen it up.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the beef and rice mixture, ensuring it melts into the casserole. The cheese will help bind the ingredients together and create a creamy texture.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Transfer the hamburger and rice mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your warm, comforting hamburger rice casserole!

How to Cook Hamburger Rice Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of how to cook the perfect Hamburger Rice Casserole:

1. Cook the rice with broth or water for extra flavor.
2. Brown the ground beef, onions, and garlic to create a savory base.
3. Mix in the creamy soup to bring all the ingredients together.
4. Stir in cheese for a creamy, melty texture throughout the casserole.
5. Bake until bubbly to melt the cheese and bind the casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Although this casserole is straightforward to make, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not draining the beef: After browning the ground beef, be sure to drain any excess fat, especially if you’re using a higher fat content beef. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Overcooking the rice: Avoid mushy rice by cooking it just until tender. Overcooked rice can turn the casserole into a soggy mess.
• Forgetting to season: Be sure to season each layer (beef, rice, and vegetables) for maximum flavor. Undersalting will result in a bland dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Hamburger Rice Casserole is a cozy, rustic dish that doesn’t need much in the way of fancy presentation, but a few little touches can make it even more appealing:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds color and brightness to the dish.
• Serve with a side salad: Balance the hearty casserole with a light, crisp green salad and a tangy vinaigrette.
• Add a dollop of sour cream: A spoonful of sour cream on top adds a cooling, creamy contrast to the warm casserole.

How to Serve Hamburger Rice Casserole

This dish is filling and can be served as a complete meal, but here are a few serving ideas to make it even better:

• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus for a healthy addition.
• Pair it with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
• Add a side of pickles or a tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness of the casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Rice Casserole

Though Hamburger Rice Casserole is simple, you can elevate its appearance with these ideas:

• Bake in individual ramekins: For a fun twist, divide the casserole mixture into individual ramekins or small baking dishes.
• Top with crispy onions or breadcrumbs: For added texture, sprinkle some crispy fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs over the casserole before baking.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it heats through.
• Freezer-friendly: This casserole freezes well! Assemble it up to the baking step, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
• Add extra veggies: Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a healthier twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes! Brown rice adds extra fiber and nutrients. Just cook

it longer since brown rice typically takes more time to cook than white rice.

Q: Can I freeze hamburger rice casserole?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.

Q: What other cheeses work in this casserole?
A: You can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses like Colby Jack for a different flavor.

Q: How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, this casserole will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I add more protein to the dish?
A: Sure! Feel free to add cooked bacon, sausage, or even ground turkey or chicken for a different protein source.

Conclusion

The Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe is a fantastic, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy rice, veggies, and gooey cheese, this casserole hits all the right notes for a comforting and satisfying dinner. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

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