Cozy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe: A Homestyle Wonder

Comfort food takes center stage with this hearty hamburger rice casserole recipe that promises pure satisfaction.

Ground beef sizzles with aromatic seasonings, creating a delightful base for tender rice.

Creamy cheese melts perfectly throughout the dish, adding rich layers of flavor.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet incredibly satisfying meal.

Packed with protein and warmth, this casserole delivers everything you want in a home-cooked classic.

Every forkful brings comfort and joy to the dinner table.

Dive into this delicious one-pan wonder that will quickly become a family favorite.

Fun Variations for Rice Hamburger Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream soups with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, milk, and chicken broth. Use gluten-free rice and check Worcestershire sauce for gluten content.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for protein and texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice. Use lower-fat cheese and reduce broth quantity to maintain moisture while cutting carbohydrates.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder. Top with pepper jack cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty flavor profile.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Serving Tips

• Family Dinner Champion: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with minimal side dishes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Veggie Boost Companion: Add a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and light vinaigrette to balance the rich casserole flavors.
• Fresh Crunch Topper: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a bright color pop and added fresh herb taste.
• Comfort Side Kick: Pair with quick roasted broccoli or steamed green beans to increase vegetable intake and complement the casserole's warmth.

Storage for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or lamb work great as alternatives to beef, offering similar texture and flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-sodium soups, brown rice instead of white, and reduce cheese quantity to cut calories and increase nutritional value.

• What side dishes complement this casserole?

Green salad, steamed vegetables, roasted broccoli, or a light coleslaw pair perfectly with this hearty casserole.

Hamburger Rice Casserole for Busy Days

• Whip Up a Hearty Comfort Meal: This hamburger rice casserole delivers pure comfort food magic with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily swap ingredients like ground turkey or add extra vegetables to match your taste preferences and nutritional needs without compromising deliciousness.
• One-Dish Wonder: Simplify your cooking and cleanup with this all-in-one meal that combines protein, grains, and vegetables in a single, crowd-pleasing casserole that saves time and dishes.
• Budget-Friendly Family Feast: Prepare an affordable, filling meal using common pantry ingredients that stretches to feed multiple people without breaking the bank, making it ideal for economical home cooking.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides protein and richness to the casserole.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: A classic aromatic trio that adds depth, sweetness, and savory notes to the dish.

• Rice: A comforting staple that absorbs flavors and creates a satisfying texture in the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy soups that help bind the ingredients and add moisture.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and provides additional liquid for cooking the rice.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and umami depth to the casserole.
• Paprika: Contributes a mild, sweet pepper flavor and warm color.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding a sharp and rich flavor.
• Sour Cream (Optional): Provides extra creaminess and a slight tanginess when stirred in.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.
• Foil: Covers the casserole during initial baking to retain moisture.

Directions for Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F.

This sets the stage for a delicious one-dish wonder that’ll make everyone at the table happy.

Step 2: Sizzle The Aromatics

Grab a skillet and drizzle some olive oil.

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Sauté until these ingredients become soft and fragrant, releasing their mouth-watering flavors.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet.

Cook until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Mix The Magic

• Cooked beef
• Uncooked rice
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 5: Bake The Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.

Cover tightly with foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until rice becomes perfectly tender.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Remove the foil and sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese across the top.

Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Optional: Swirl some sour cream on top just before serving for an extra creamy finish.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Hamburger Rice Casserole Fans

• Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more appetizing dish.
• Add a splash of red wine or beef broth while cooking meat to enhance the overall taste profile and create richer, more complex flavors.
• Choose long-grain white rice for the best texture, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy after baking instead of becoming mushy.
• Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after adding cheese to allow it to melt evenly and create a beautiful golden, bubbly topping.
• Swap bell peppers with zucchini or mushrooms for different nutrient profiles and to keep the dish interesting and adaptable to seasonal produce.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty hamburger rice casserole brings comfort and flavor to family dinner tables across America. Cheese-topped layers blend ground beef, fluffy rice, and savory seasonings into one delicious, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef (hamburger)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup beef broth or water

Seasonings and Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a baking dish with light grease.
2. Sizzle onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Brown ground beef thoroughly, carefully draining accumulated fat to prevent excess greasiness.
4. Mix cooked beef with uncooked rice, condensed soups, broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer throughout the container.
6. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, then roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquids and become perfectly tender.
7. Remove foil, generously sprinkle cheddar cheese across the surface, and return to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
8. Optional: Swirl sour cream into the casserole just before serving to enhance creaminess and add a tangy dimension to the dish.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor and protein.
• Substitute brown rice for white rice to boost nutritional value with more fiber and minerals.
• Consider using low-sodium cream soups to control salt intake without compromising taste.
• Try plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian version of this hearty casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 417 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg