Cozy Kitchen Magic: Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Weeknight dinners call for simple, delicious hamburger rice casserole that satisfies everyone at the table.

Packed with ground beef and fluffy rice, this comfort meal brings warmth to your evening.

Rich flavors blend seamlessly in each comforting bite.

Cheese melts perfectly over the top, creating a golden, inviting crust.

The combination of savory meat and tender rice makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this hearty, homestyle classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50-55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 6

Everything in Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: Hearty base that adds rich, meaty flavor and substantial protein to the casserole.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that enhances the beef's depth.
• Bell Pepper: Adds crisp texture and vibrant color with a mild, fresh taste.
• Minced Garlic: Infuses the dish with intense, warming flavor and aromatic complexity.

• Beef Broth: Creates a savory, moisture-rich environment for cooking rice.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Delivers creamy texture and umami undertones.
• Milk: Helps create smooth, velvety consistency and adds subtle richness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces tangy, complex depth with a slight fermented kick.

• Paprika: Contributes warm, slightly sweet undertones and beautiful reddish hue.
• Salt: Essential for balancing and intensifying overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic sharpness.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey layer with sharp, tangy notes.
• Parsley: Optional fresh garnish that brings bright, herbal freshness.

Tools You’ll Need for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing vegetables evenly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for mixing and baking the entire casserole.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining rice, broth, and other liquid ingredients.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to keep moisture locked in.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Cheese Grater: Optional, if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and parsley garnish.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb preparation.

How to Assemble Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and give a 9×13 baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil.

• Brown the Protein

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet with diced onions and bell peppers until the meat turns golden and veggies soften. Toss in garlic and cook for a minute. Drain away extra fat.

• Create the Creamy Blend

Mix uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper in a big bowl until everything combines smoothly.

• Layer and Merge

Spread the beef mixture into the baking dish and pour the rice mixture on top. Gently swirl everything together.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let it bubble away in the oven for 40-45 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid disappears.

• Cheese It Up

Remove foil and shower the casserole with shredded cheddar. Bake uncovered for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts into a gorgeous golden blanket.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy, and dig in while it’s hot.

Ways to Serve Hamburger Rice Casserole Comfort-Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Veggie Boost Sidekick: Roast some broccoli, asparagus, or glazed carrots to add extra nutrition and colorful variety to your plate.
• Bread Buddy Strategy: Serve with warm garlic bread, soft dinner rolls, or buttery cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the comfort food experience.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions on top for a bright, zesty garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Store Hamburger Rice Casserole Like a Pro

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Wrap each portion separately to prevent freezer burn and maintain texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent hardening.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance, storing unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. This strategy saves time and delivers a fresh, hot meal with minimal effort.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the liquid and baking time. Add about 1/2 cup extra broth and increase baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure the rice becomes tender.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive ground meat like ground turkey or chicken, and opt for store-brand canned soup and cheese to reduce overall cost. Generic ingredients work just as well in this recipe.

• Can I freeze this hamburger rice casserole?

Absolutely! Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Tips for a Flavorful Hamburger Casserole Dish

• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain stays separate and fluffy in the casserole.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option. Plant-based eaters can substitute with crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify that Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Replace regular rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or add diced green chiles for a southwestern twist. Sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne for those who enjoy extra heat in their comfort food.

Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hamburger Rice Casserole brings hearty comfort to weeknight dinners with ground beef, rice, and savory seasonings. Simple ingredients combine for a delicious one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (200 g) uncooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to create an optimal cooking environment.
2. Meat and Vegetable Sauté: In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, simultaneously cooking diced onions and bell peppers until vegetables become translucent and meat caramelizes.
3. Flavor Infusion: Add minced garlic to the meat mixture, allowing its aromatic essence to develop for one minute, then drain excess fat to concentrate flavors.
4. Liquid Base Creation: Combine uncooked rice with beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking to create a harmonious liquid foundation.
5. Casserole Assembly: Spread the seasoned meat evenly in the prepared baking dish, then pour the rice-broth mixture over the top, ensuring thorough ingredient distribution.
6. Initial Baking Phase: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, allowing the rice to steam and absorb the flavorful liquid until perfectly tender.
7. Cheese Topping Finale: Remove the foil, generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the surface, and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
8. Serving Preparation: Let the casserole rest briefly to settle flavors, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous note before serving.

Notes

Manage Meat Moisture: Drain excess fat thoroughly after browning ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more appealing texture.

Optimize Rice Absorption: Use long-grain white rice for best results, as it absorbs liquid more evenly and prevents a mushy or undercooked consistency in the final dish.

Cheese Melting Technique: Let cheese melt completely during the final baking stage, but watch carefully to avoid burning, creating a perfectly golden and bubbling cheese topping.

Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version, use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative, or select gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg