Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

The Coziest Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

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

Warm, hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic dish.

Memories of home-cooked meals rush back with each savory bite.

Kitchens everywhere come alive when this simple yet satisfying recipe starts simmering.

Tender ground beef nestles between fluffy rice layers, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners just got easier and more delightful.

Dig into this crowd-pleasing favorite that promises smiles around the table.

Hamburger Rice Casserole For Family Gatherings

  • Celebrate Joyfully: These confetti cupcakes burst with colorful sprinkles, turning any ordinary moment into a festive celebration with their playful, rainbow-studded charm.
  • Bake with Ease: Perfect for beginner bakers, this simple recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Kids and adults alike will adore these sweet treats, making them an ideal choice for birthday parties, school events, or casual gatherings where everyone craves a delightful sugar rush.
  • Customizable Creativity: Experiment with different sprinkle colors or frosting styles to match any theme or personal preference, allowing you to put a unique spin on this classic dessert.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Ingredient Checklist

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.
For the Base Ingredients:
  • Cooked Rice: Adds substance and creates a filling foundation for the casserole.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor to bind the ingredients.
For the Liquids and Dairy:
  • Milk or Broth: Helps to create a moist and smooth consistency in the casserole.
  • Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and a slight tangy flavor to the dish.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onion: Brings a savory depth and aromatic base to the ground beef.
  • Frozen Peas and Carrots: Contribute color, nutrition, and a slight sweetness to the casserole.
For the Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out the flavors of the ingredients.
For the Topping:
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a melty, golden finish and adds a rich, sharp flavor.
For the Preparation:
  • Butter: Used to grease the casserole dish and prevent sticking.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Directions In Easy Steps

Hamburger Rice Casserole Directions In Easy Steps

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a casserole dish and generously coat the inside with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Toss ground beef and chopped onions into a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the meat turns a rich brown color.

Carefully drain away any extra fat from the pan.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in your flavor boosters:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together so the spices coat the meat evenly.

Step 4: Combine Casserole Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend:
  • Cooked seasoned beef
  • Prepared rice
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Milk or broth
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Frozen peas
  • Frozen carrots

Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixed ingredients into the buttered casserole dish.

Spread the mixture out smoothly and evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a melted, bubbly golden blanket.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your comforting meal!

Handy Tips For Hamburger Rice Casserole Wins

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the casserole healthier.
  • Swap regular rice with brown rice for added fiber and nutritional value.
  • Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt intake for health-conscious eaters.
  • Add a crispy breadcrumb topping before baking for extra texture and crunch.
  • Replace beef with ground turkey for a lighter protein option that's equally delicious.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Flavorful Swaps To Try

  • Southwestern Fiesta: Add black beans, corn, diced green chilies, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a spicy Mexican-inspired version.
  • Mediterranean Herb: Incorporate feta cheese, diced tomatoes, spinach, and oregano for a Greek-style casserole with Mediterranean flavors.
  • Cheesy Bacon Ranch: Mix in crispy bacon bits, ranch seasoning, and use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a rich, indulgent option.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles, add extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth for a meat-free alternative.

Best Sides For Hamburger Rice Casserole Bowls

  • Comfort Corner Feast: Pair this hearty hamburger rice casserole with fresh, crisp green salad topped with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy dish.
  • Family Picnic Platter: Serve alongside warm dinner rolls and steamed broccoli for a complete meal that satisfies every hungry family member.
  • Touchdown Sidekick: Transform this casserole into game day delight by adding crispy bacon bits on top and offering hot sauce for extra kick.
  • Leftover Magic: Reheat next day and wrap in warm tortilla for quick lunch, sprinkled with extra cheese and chopped fresh herbs for brightness.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Storage Tips For Freshness

  • Store leftover hamburger rice casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other food odors.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place a date label on the container to track storage time.
  • Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

  • Is this casserole budget-friendly?

Yes, hamburger rice casserole uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and frozen vegetables, making it an economical meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

  • Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s pre-cooked and adjust cooking time slightly since brown rice takes longer to cook initially.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Opt for lean ground beef, use low-fat cream of mushroom soup, choose reduced-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

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Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger rice casserole brings classic comfort to dinner tables across America. Family-friendly ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that delivers rich flavor and filling nutrition.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup milk or broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a casserole dish with butter for smooth release.
  2. Brown ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any excess fat to prevent sogginess.
  3. Enhance the meat mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for robust flavor profiles.
  4. Merge cooked beef with prepared rice, cream of mushroom soup, liquid (milk or broth), sour cream, frozen peas, and carrots in a spacious mixing bowl.
  5. Transfer the harmonious mixture into the greased casserole dish, ensuring an even distribution for consistent cooking.
  6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface to create a golden, melty topping.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, slightly crisp layer and the casserole is thoroughly heated.
  8. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier and more stable.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef for lean turkey or plant-based crumbles to reduce fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
  • Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
  • Add a crispy breadcrumb topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkling over the cheese for extra texture and crunch.
  • Customize vegetables by using seasonal or frozen mixed vegetables to make the casserole more versatile and colorful.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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