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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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