If you're searching for a hearty, family-friendly meal that's both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, look no further than this Hamburger Rice Casserole recipe. This dish combines flavorful ground beef, perfectly seasoned rice, melted cheese, and a few other pantry staples into a delicious, filling casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly meal or something to whip up quickly, this Hamburger Rice Casserole delivers comfort in every bite. Read on to discover the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips to customize it to your tastes!
What is a “Hamburger Rice Casserole”?
A Hamburger Rice Casserole is a savory and satisfying dish that brings together cooked ground beef (often referred to as "hamburger" in some regions), fluffy rice, and a creamy or cheesy sauce, all baked together to perfection. It's a versatile and affordable meal that can be customized with various vegetables, seasonings, and even types of rice, depending on your preferences. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and how well the flavors come together. It’s a go-to recipe for busy families because it’s filling, easy to make, and great for leftovers.
Ingredients List for Hamburger Rice Casserole
To make this delicious Hamburger Rice Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Casserole Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 ground chuck or leaner)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added flavor)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice (white, brown, or long-grain)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or your favorite vegetables)
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crunchy topping)
- 2 tablespoon melted butter (optional, if using breadcrumbs)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this Hamburger Rice Casserole is how flexible it is. You can switch up the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or simply based on what you have on hand. Here are some common substitutions and variations:
- Different Meat Options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. You can also use a vegetarian meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or lentils for a meatless version.
- Rice Alternatives: You can use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you want to make the dish healthier or lower in carbs. Just adjust the cooking times and liquid amounts accordingly.
- Cream of Mushroom Substitute: If you don't like cream of mushroom soup or have dietary restrictions, you can replace it with cream of chicken soup or make your own sauce by combining 1 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of flour with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cooking it until thickened.
- Add Vegetables: This casserole is great for sneaking in extra vegetables. Consider adding chopped bell peppers, diced carrots, spinach, or broccoli florets. You can also mix in frozen veggies like corn or green beans.
- Cheese Options: If you're not a fan of cheddar, try Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare a delicious Hamburger Rice Casserole that your whole family will love:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic, and continue cooking for another 3 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then season the beef with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth. Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add the Rice and Vegetables
Once the beef and sauce are ready, stir in the cooked rice and frozen peas (or your choice of vegetables). Make sure the rice and veggies are evenly distributed throughout the beef mixture. This step ensures that every bite of the casserole has a little bit of everything.
Step 5: Transfer to the Casserole Dish
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish to ensure it cooks evenly.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs (Optional)
Top the casserole with shredded cheese. For an added layer of texture, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese. This will give the casserole a crispy, golden crust.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs (if using) are golden brown.
Step 8: Let it Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to slice and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining Excess Grease: If you're using ground beef with a higher fat content, be sure to drain off the excess grease after browning the meat. Failing to do so could result in a greasy casserole.
- Overcooking the Casserole: Keep an eye on your casserole while it’s baking. Overcooking can dry out the dish, especially if you're using lean meat and cooked rice. Stick to the recommended bake time for a moist, flavorful casserole.
- Skipping the Seasoning: While canned soup and broth add flavor, don’t skip seasoning the meat with salt, pepper, and paprika. These seasonings enhance the flavor and make the dish more well-rounded.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Hamburger Rice Casserole is a humble dish, but you can still make it look appetizing with the right presentation:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions over the top before serving. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
- Serve in Individual Portions: For a more upscale presentation, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. This creates personalized servings that are perfect for a dinner party or family gathering.
- Add a Side Dish: Serve the casserole with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to balance out the richness of the dish.
How to Serve Hamburger Rice Casserole
Serve this casserole hot from the oven, cutting it into squares or spooning it out onto plates. This dish is hearty and filling on its own, but it pairs nicely with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or even a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Rice Casserole
To give your Hamburger Rice Casserole an elevated presentation, consider serving it in a beautiful ceramic baking dish that goes straight from oven to table. For a fun twist, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you're ready to serve. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes very well. To freeze, prepare the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
- Double the Recipe: If you're feeding a large group or want leftovers for the week, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use instant rice?
Yes, you can use instant rice, but you may need to adjust the liquid content in the recipe since instant rice cooks differently. Pre-cooked rice or leftover rice works best for this casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, to make the casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and breadcrumbs (or skip the breadcrumbs altogether).
3. How long will this casserole last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this casserole will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! This dish is great for incorporating extra vegetables. Try adding sautéed bell peppers, carrots,
spinach, or even zucchini for a nutrient boost.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite type of cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or a Mexican blend all work well in this dish.
Conclusion
This Hamburger Rice Casserole is the perfect recipe for anyone seeking a simple, hearty meal that’s big on flavor but low on effort. With its savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy topping, it's the ultimate comfort food that will become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you're making it for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing it ahead for busy days, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it today, and don’t forget to experiment with the different variations and toppings to make it your own! Enjoy!
PrintHamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
This Hamburger Rice Casserole recipe is a perfect one-dish meal for busy weeknights. Made with ground beef, fluffy rice, and topped with melted cheese, it's a simple, hearty, and delicious casserole. A family favorite, this easy-to-make casserole offers classic comfort food flavors in a single dish. Great for leftovers and meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onion until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In the casserole dish, combine the beef mixture, uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir well.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add frozen vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
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