Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Looking for an easy, hearty, and budget-friendly meal to feed the whole family? This Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe is the perfect answer! Combining flavorful ground beef, tender rice, and creamy sauce, this casserole is not only delicious but also versatile enough to be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you're preparing dinner for a busy weeknight or serving a comforting dish for a weekend meal, this casserole will quickly become a go-to recipe in your household.

this Recipe

What is Hamburger Rice Casserole?

Hamburger Rice Casserole is a baked dish made with ground beef (also known as hamburger), cooked rice, and a creamy or cheesy sauce. The casserole is usually baked until everything is warm and bubbling, with a golden, cheesy topping that makes it irresistible. It's a simple, one-pan comfort food that’s perfect for families, potlucks, and meal prepping. The dish is also highly adaptable, allowing you to add vegetables, extra spices, or different kinds of cheese to suit your taste.

Ingredients List for Hamburger Rice Casserole

To make this Hamburger Rice Casserole that serves about 6-8 people, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown rice)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• ½ cup milk or broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional for creaminess)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables, optional)
• 2 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)

Ingredients List for Additional Variations

If you’d like to mix things up or add your own spin to the recipe, consider these optional ingredients and variations:

• For extra flavor: Add diced green chilies, Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetarian option: Use plant-based ground beef and a vegetarian cream soup.
• Healthier version: Opt for lean ground turkey instead of beef, and use brown rice and low-fat cheese.
• Extra veggies: You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost the vegetable content.
• Cheese options: Swap cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese for a new flavor twist.

Substitutions and Variations

This Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe is incredibly flexible, so don’t be afraid to make adjustments based on your dietary preferences or ingredients on hand. Here are some great substitutions and variations:

1. Ground Beef Substitutes: While ground beef is traditional, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. If you're looking for a plant-based version, try using a meat substitute like Beyond Meat or extra veggies.
2. Rice Options: White rice is the standard choice, but you can use brown rice for added fiber or wild rice for a nuttier flavor. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice.
3. Cheese: While cheddar is classic, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican blend of cheeses can add a different flavor profile. Pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick of heat if you like a bit of spice.
4. Vegetables: Frozen peas and carrots are convenient, but you can add any vegetables you like. Try using corn, green beans, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and texture.
5. Cream Soup Substitute: If you prefer not to use canned cream of mushroom soup, you can make a homemade white sauce or béchamel by whisking 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of butter, and then adding 1 cup of milk or broth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

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

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get started with this easy Hamburger Rice Casserole!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onions to the skillet and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

If you haven’t already cooked your rice, prepare it according to the package instructions. You’ll need about 2 cups of cooked rice for this recipe. You can use leftover rice if you have some in the fridge.

Step 4: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk or broth, frozen peas and carrots (if using), and sour cream (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the beef and rice mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture, covering it completely.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making this Hamburger Rice Casserole is simple, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not draining the beef: Make sure to drain the excess fat after cooking the beef. If you leave too much grease, the casserole may become oily and soggy.
2. Undercooking the rice: Make sure your rice is fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole. If the rice is undercooked, it may not soften properly during baking, resulting in a crunchy texture.
3. Too much liquid: Be careful not to add too much liquid (like milk or broth) to the mixture, or your casserole could become too runny. You want a creamy consistency, not a soupy one.
4. Over-baking the casserole: Be sure not to overcook the casserole as it could dry out. Once the cheese is melted and golden, it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Serving and Presentation Tips

While this Hamburger Rice Casserole is a simple dish, you can still dress it up to make it look and taste even better.

How to Serve Hamburger Rice Casserole

1. Family-Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish, letting everyone scoop out their portions. This makes for a homey, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
2. Individual Portions: For a more polished presentation, scoop the casserole into individual bowls or plates and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or green onions.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions will brighten up the casserole and add a touch of color.
• Serve with a Side Salad: Pair the casserole with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to add freshness and balance to the meal.
• Add a Crunch: Top the casserole with a handful of crushed tortilla chips, French fried onions, or breadcrumbs before baking for an added crunch and texture.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe Tips

1. Make it Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling everything and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
2. Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, but don't bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
3. Double the Recipe: This casserole is great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Simply double the ingredients and bake in two dishes, or use a larger baking pan to accommodate more servings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use instant rice in this casserole?

Yes, you can use instant rice, but be sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the casserole.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Make sure to use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, and you’re all set. Double-check that your rice and seasonings are gluten-free as well.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you like—such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach—to the beef and rice mixture for extra nutrition.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe is an easy, comforting, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking to whip up a quick weeknight dinner or meal-prep for the week ahead, this casserole delivers on flavor, simplicity, and satisfaction. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, serve it up with fresh garnishes, and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with your loved ones!

Print