This Hamburger & Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s packed with flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that comes together with minimal effort. Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Easy and budget-friendly – simple ingredients you likely have on hand
- One-dish meal – minimal cleanup required
- Rich and comforting – creamy texture with a savory kick
- Great for leftovers – reheats beautifully for a quick meal
Ingredients
- ground beef
- onion, chopped
- garlic powder
- dried oregano
- paprika
- can tomato sauce
- can diced tomatoes, drained
- uncooked long-grain white rice
- beef broth
- shredded cheddar cheese
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- salt
- black pepper
- chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Full list of ingredients with exact measurements is below.
Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain any excess grease.
Combine Ingredients
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, uncooked rice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until well mixed.
Transfer to a Casserole Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the mixture in. Spread evenly and cover tightly with foil.
Bake Until Rice is Tender
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken soup for a different twist
- Use wild rice or quinoa for a whole-grain alternative
- Try pepper jack cheese for a little heat
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair this casserole with garlic bread, a crisp side salad, or roasted vegetables. A glass of iced tea or lemonade makes a great drink pairing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze Hamburger & Rice Casserole?
Yes! Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
What’s the best rice to use?
Long-grain white or brown rice works best.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and a homemade cream soup substitute.
Conclusion
This Hamburger & Rice Casserole is easy, filling, and packed with flavor. Whether for a busy weeknight or meal prep, this dish is a guaranteed winner. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!
Print
Hamburger & Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hamburger & Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-pan meal made with ground beef, tender rice, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese. It’s an easy-to-make casserole perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika to the skillet, and cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, rice, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle with some crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
- Want a veggie boost? Add frozen peas or corn to the casserole before baking.
- Can’t find beef broth? Substitute with chicken broth or water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: ~800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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