Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Looking for an easy, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights? This Hamburger Rice Casserole is a delicious combination of seasoned ground beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese baked to perfection. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you're meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just want a no-fuss, comforting dish, this casserole will become a staple in your home. Stay tuned as we walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make the perfect casserole!

this Recipe

What is Hamburger Rice Casserole?

Hamburger Rice Casserole is a classic American comfort food dish made with seasoned ground beef (often referred to as hamburger meat), cooked rice, vegetables, and cheese all layered or mixed together and baked. The dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors, making it an ideal option for a satisfying dinner. You can easily make variations based on your preferences or what you have on hand, making it a highly adaptable recipe.

Ingredients List for Hamburger Rice Casserole

To make sure everything runs smoothly while cooking, gather your ingredients ahead of time. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Hamburger Rice Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef – You can use lean ground beef, but an 80/20 blend will provide more flavor.
• 1 cup uncooked rice – White rice, brown rice, or even a wild rice blend would work.
• 1 medium onion – Diced, adds flavor to the beef mixture.
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz) – Provides the creamy base for the casserole.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Drained, for added texture and flavor.
• 1 cup frozen or canned mixed vegetables – You can use peas, carrots, green beans, or any vegetable mix you like.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – For a gooey, cheesy topping.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – To season the beef.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds flavor and color to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon salt – To taste.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – To taste.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the onion and ground beef.
• Optional garnishes – Fresh parsley or green onions, to add a pop of color and flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Hamburger Rice Casserole is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Ground turkey or chicken – For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
• Vegetarian version – Replace the meat with plant-based ground beef alternatives or double up on vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Sauce variations – Instead of cream of mushroom soup, try using cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. You can even make your own homemade cream sauce if you prefer.
• Different cheese – While cheddar is classic, you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor.
• Add spice – If you like things spicy, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture.
• Rice alternatives – You can swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Hamburger Rice Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a light coat of oil.
2. Cook the rice – Prepare 1 cup of uncooked rice according to the package instructions, which should yield about 2–3 cups of cooked rice. Set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Cook the ground beef and onion – Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Add the soup, tomatoes, and vegetables – Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes (drained), and mixed vegetables. Cook for 2–3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
5. Combine with rice – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with the beef mixture. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the casserole mixture.
6. Layer in the casserole dish – Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
7. Top with cheese – Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake – Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
9. Cool and serve – Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

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

If you’re new to making casseroles or want a simple breakdown, here’s a quick guide to ensure everything turns out perfect:

1. Preheat your oven and prepare the casserole dish.
2. Cook the rice and sauté the beef with onions, garlic powder, and seasonings.
3. Mix the beef mixture with cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, vegetables, and cooked rice.
4. Layer the mixture in the casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Cool before serving, and garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe like this, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not cooking the rice fully – Be sure to cook the rice until it’s fully tender before mixing it into the casserole. If the rice is undercooked, it will remain crunchy in the casserole.
• Skipping the draining of ground beef – Drain any excess fat from the beef after browning to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Overbaking – Don’t leave the casserole in the oven for too long, or the rice may dry out, and the cheese could become too crispy. Keep an eye on it once the cheese begins to bubble.
• Not seasoning the beef – Ground beef needs proper seasoning to bring out its flavor. Don’t skimp on salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika.

Serving and Presentation Tips

While this Hamburger Rice Casserole is hearty and satisfying on its own, serving it with complementary sides and presenting it attractively can take your meal to the next level. Here are some serving and presentation tips:

• Cut into neat slices – Use a sharp spatula or knife to cut the casserole into even portions for a tidy presentation.
• Garnish with fresh herbs – A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions will brighten the dish and add a burst of freshness.
• Add a side of salad – Serve the casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Include a side of bread – Pair the casserole with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Serve Hamburger Rice Casserole

Hamburger Rice Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but if you want to round out the plate, here are a few options for serving:

• With a fresh salad – A simple green salad or Caesar salad with a tangy dressing helps balance the richness of the casserole.
• With bread or rolls – Serve with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce or juices.
• With roasted vegetables – Pair the casserole with roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts to add more nutrients to the meal.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Rice Casserole

A little creativity goes a long way when it comes to making your casserole look as good as it tastes:

• Bake in a colorful dish – Using a bright, oven-safe casserole dish will make the meal more visually appealing on the table.
• Top with garnishes – A sprinkle of chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of sour cream can elevate the look of the dish.
• Serve in individual ramekins – For a fun twist, portion the casserole into individual ramekins or small oven-safe bowls and bake them for a personalized presentation.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few more tips to ensure your casserole comes out perfectly every time:

• Make it ahead – You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
• Freeze leftovers – This casserole freezes well. Store individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Use pre-cooked rice – To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice or instant rice that cooks quickly. Just be sure to adjust the recipe accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Hamburger Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to cook, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Portion leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

What type of rice should I use?
White rice is the classic choice, but you can also use brown rice for a healthier option, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb variation.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or even ground chicken can be used as a substitute for beef if you prefer a lighter option.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Rice Casserole is a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, vegetables, and gooey cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love. Whether you stick with the classic version or customize it to suit your tastes, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients and enjoy this easy, flavorful, and budget-friendly dish!

Print