Tasty Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Busy Nights
Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and flavor, and this mouthwatering hamburger rice casserole recipe delivers both with incredible ease.
Ground beef sizzles with aromatic spices, creating a delicious one-pan meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Each hearty bite combines tender rice and savory meat in a comforting blend that satisfies deep hunger.
The casserole comes together quickly, using pantry staples most home cooks already have on hand.
Cheese melts perfectly across the top, adding a golden, crispy layer that makes this dish irresistible.
Busy families will appreciate how effortlessly this meal comes together, requiring minimal prep and cleanup.
This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that brings everyone to the table with excitement.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 360 kcal
Servings: 7
Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Ingredients
For Protein and Base:
Ground Beef: Hearty protein that adds rich, savory flavor and creates the main body of the casserole, choose lean meat for less grease and better texture.
White Rice: Fluffy and neutral base that absorbs flavors perfectly, select long-grain rice for best separation and texture.
For Flavor Enhancers and Creaminess:
Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy binders that provide smooth consistency and deep umami undertones, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty ingredient that adds golden richness and tangy depth, select sharp varieties for more pronounced flavor.
For Aromatic and Seasoning Components:
Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that bring crisp texture and sweet-savory notes, choose firm, bright-colored produce for maximum flavor.
Garlic Powder: Concentrated seasoning that infuses instant depth, look for pure powder without additives.
Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor boosters that balance and highlight other ingredients, use freshly ground black pepper for best taste.
Fresh Parsley: Optional bright garnish that adds color and subtle herbal freshness, choose vibrant green leaves with no wilting.
Tools for Hamburger Rice Casserole Prep
Large Skillet: Crucial for browning ground beef and sautéing vegetables with even heat distribution.
Mixing Bowl: Spacious container perfect for combining meat, rice, and creamy soup mixture thoroughly.
9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for assembling and baking the entire casserole with easy serving.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Handy for stirring ingredients and spreading mixture evenly in the dish.
Measuring Cups: Helpful for precise ingredient measurements to ensure recipe consistency.
Cheese Grater: Optional tool for shredding fresh cheddar cheese if not using pre-shredded cheese.
Cutting Board: Useful for chopping onions, green peppers, and fresh parsley.
Sharp Knife: Needed for precise vegetable and herb chopping before cooking.
How to Make Hamburger Rice Casserole
Oven Preparation Temperature control ensures your dish cooks perfectly. Warm up your oven to a steady 350°F and lightly coat a large baking pan with cooking spray.
Meat and Vegetable Blend Sizzle ground beef in a skillet until it turns a rich brown color. Toss in diced onions and green peppers, letting them soften and release their aromatic flavors.
Creamy Mixture Creating the heart of this delightful casserole involves combining your cooked meat with silky soups, tangy sour cream, fluffy rice, and a sprinkle of seasonings. Stir everything until ingredients dance together harmoniously.
Cheese Topping Elegance Transfer the savory mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Crown the casserole with a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese, promising a golden, melty finish.
Baking Magic Slide the dish into the warm oven and let it bubble and transform for 25-30 minutes. The cheese should turn a beautiful golden color, signaling it's ready to delight your taste buds.
Tasty Tips for Hamburger Rice Casserole
Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable.
Toss in extra vegetables like diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase nutrition and add more depth to the casserole's flavor profile.
Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for heat, monterey jack for creaminess, or a blend of cheeses to create your signature topping.
Add a dash of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to give the casserole a warm, unexpected kick that'll wake up taste buds.
Prepare the entire casserole in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes weeknight dinners super convenient and stress-free.
Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Rice Casserole
Comfort Food Companion: Serve this hearty casserole alongside a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy texture and add a fresh crunch.
Veggie Boost: Roast some seasonal vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus as a colorful side that complements the casserole's warm, savory flavors.
Family-Style Feast: Pair with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and make the meal more filling and satisfying for the whole family.
Zesty Finish: Add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle some chopped chives on top for an extra layer of tangy freshness that brightens the entire dish.
Hamburger Rice Casserole: Save and Reheat Tips
Smart Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for busy weeknights, creating a quick meal ready in minutes when you need it most.
Refrigerator Freshness Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole's texture and flavor intact. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain moisture.
Ingredient Prep Hack: Cook extra rice and brown beef ahead of time to streamline the casserole assembly, saving valuable kitchen time during hectic evenings.
Portion Control Trick: Divide the casserole into individual serving containers before refrigerating, making grab-and-go lunches or quick dinner options super convenient for meal prepping.
Hearty Midwestern hamburger rice casserole delivers comforting flavors in one delicious dish. Cheese-topped layers combine ground beef, rice, and creamy sauce for a satisfying meal families will devour.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) ground beef
1.5 cups (360 ml) cooked white rice
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1.5 oz (42 g) cream of chicken soup (1 can)
1.5 oz (42 g) cream of mushroom soup (1 can)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
0.5 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure effortless release.
Meat Sauté: In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, breaking into crumbly texture; incorporate diced onions and green bell peppers, cooking until vegetables soften and become translucent.
Fat Reduction: Drain excess grease from the meat and vegetable mixture to minimize oiliness.
Mixture Creation: Combine beef blend with cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and pre-cooked rice in a spacious mixing bowl; season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring thorough incorporation.
Casserole Assembly: Transfer mixture into prepared baking dish, spreading evenly; top generously with shredded cheddar cheese to create a rich, golden surface.
Baking Process: Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn bubbly and slightly crisp.
Serving: Remove from oven, allow 5 minutes resting time for slight setting; garnish with chopped parsley and serve piping hot directly from baking dish.
Notes
Drain Fat Thoroughly: Remove as much grease as possible to prevent a soggy, oily casserole and maintain a crisp texture.
Rice Prep Matters: Use day-old or slightly cooled rice to prevent mushiness and ensure the casserole holds its shape perfectly.
Cheese Distribution Technique: Spread cheese evenly for consistent melting and a golden, appetizing top layer that covers every inch.
Resting is Crucial: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking to let flavors meld and help it set, making serving easier and more cohesive.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.