Easy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights

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

Hearty ingredients merge into a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Ground beef mingles with fluffy rice, creating layers of rich flavor.

Simple pantry staples become something magical in this easy dish.

Weeknight cooking just got simpler with this no-fuss recipe.

The combination of savory meat and tender grains guarantees clean plates all around.

This casserole promises to become your new go-to meal when hunger strikes and time is short.

Side Dishes That Go with Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complement the rich, meaty flavors of the hamburger casserole, cutting through the creamy cheese and providing a bold taste contrast.
• Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the casserole, adding refreshing brightness to the meal.
• Add dill pickle spears or a quick pickled vegetable side to introduce a zesty, acidic element that cuts through the richness and provides a palate-cleansing crunch.
• Select an amber ale or light lager that matches the comfort food profile, with enough carbonation to complement the creamy texture and help cleanse the palate between bites.

Variations for a Fresh Spin on This Easy Meal

Vegetarian Deconstructed: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and hearty texture.

Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates. Keep all other ingredients the same for a lighter, keto-friendly meal that still delivers comforting casserole experience.

Mexican-Inspired Variation: Add taco seasoning to ground beef, substitute cream of mushroom soup with salsa, and top with pepper jack cheese. Garnish with cilantro and sliced jalapeños for a spicy southwestern kick.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Verify broth and Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Why Hamburger Rice Casserole Is a Go-To Dinner

• This casserole requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Kids and adults will love the hearty combination of ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies everyone's hunger with minimal complaints.
• From prep to table, this recipe takes under an hour, solving the eternal dinnertime challenge with a one-dish wonder that delivers warmth and nutrition in every bite.
• Utilizing affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and pantry staples, this casserole stretches your grocery budget while delivering a filling and tasty meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

All the Ingredients for This Hearty Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty base that provides rich, meaty flavor and protein for the casserole. Choose lean ground beef for less grease.
• Onion, Bell Pepper: Add depth and sweetness to the meat mixture. Fresh, crisp vegetables work best.

• Uncooked Rice: Creates the casserole's comforting texture. Long-grain white rice recommended for best results.
• Beef Broth: Adds savory moisture and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides creamy consistency and subtle umami taste.
• Milk: Helps create smooth, rich sauce and aids in rice cooking.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings tangy, complex flavor to the dish.
• Minced Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and traditional savory notes.
• Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices for balanced seasoning.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Offers melty, sharp finish to the casserole.
• Parsley: Optional fresh garnish for color and light herb flavor.

• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering during initial baking.

How to Cook Hamburger and Rice into a Comfort Classic

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown The Beef With Veggie Friends

• Onions
• Bell peppers

Sizzle everything until beef turns brown and veggies soften. Sprinkle minced garlic and cook for another minute. Drain any extra grease.

Step 3: Create Liquid Magic

• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Worcestershire sauce
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until ingredients become best friends.

Step 4: Layer The Deliciousness

Move the beef mixture into the prepared baking pan. Pour rice mixture over top and gently swirl everything together.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover pan completely with aluminum foil. Slide into oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid disappears.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top. Return to oven uncovered for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts into gooey goodness.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Let casserole rest for 5 minutes. Optional: Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve piping hot and watch everyone smile.

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy, Meaty Perfection

• Boost Rice Texture: Rinse uncooked rice thoroughly before adding to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy during baking.
• Manage Meat Moisture: Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to prevent excess grease and maintain a balanced, non-greasy casserole consistency.
• Layer Flavor Depths: Sauté onions and bell peppers until caramelized before mixing with beef, intensifying the overall taste profile and adding subtle sweetness.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with low-sodium or gluten-free versions, and use lactose-free milk and cheese for dietary restrictions.
• Control Liquid Absorption: Check rice tenderness midway through baking, adding extra broth if needed to prevent dryness and ensure perfectly cooked grains.

Best Way to Keep This Casserole Fresh

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
• Reheat individual portions in microwave-safe dishes. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a tablespoon of water to prevent drying out.

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting hamburger rice casserole brings hearty midwest flavors to family dinner tables with minimal effort. Ground beef, rice, and creamy sauce combine in one simple skillet for a satisfying meal you can quickly prepare on busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup (200 g) uncooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Sauce Components:

• 1 can (10.5 oz or 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by thoroughly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish and heating the oven to a precise 375F (190C), ensuring an ideal cooking environment.
2. In a generously sized skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, simultaneously sautéing diced onions and bell peppers until vegetables become translucent and meat develops a rich, caramelized exterior.
3. Incorporate minced garlic into the meat mixture, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the ingredients for approximately one minute, then carefully eliminate any accumulated excess fat.
4. Merge uncooked rice with a harmonious blend of beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a unified, flavorful liquid base.
5. Methodically distribute the seasoned meat across the prepared baking dish, then gently cascade the rice-broth combination over the top, ensuring even integration of ingredients.
6. Seal the casserole completely with aluminum foil, allowing the contents to steam and develop complex flavors during a 40-45 minute baking cycle, until rice reaches optimal tenderness and liquid absorbs completely.
7. Unveil the casserole, lavishly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, and return to the oven for a final 5-10 minutes to create a golden, molten cheese topping.
8. Allow the finished dish to rest briefly, permitting flavors to settle, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant visual and flavor enhancement before serving.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure a crispy texture.
• Opt for low-sodium broth and soup to control salt levels for health-conscious diners.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, alternative protein options.
• Enhance flavor by using sharp cheddar or adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg