Introduction

If you’re looking for a simple, hearty dish that your entire family will love, look no further than this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole. I made it for dinner last week, and it was an immediate hit! The combination of savory ground beef, creamy soups, and flavorful rice baked together with melted cheddar cheese created a comforting meal that everyone devoured. My kids loved the cheesy topping, while my husband appreciated the fact that it was so easy to prepare after a long day of work. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that you can throw together without much effort, but it looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner!

Why You’ll Love Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining a few basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. It’s a one-pan dish that is full of flavor and texture, making it the perfect go-to for busy families. The ground beef provides protein, while the rice and creamy soups create a satisfying base, and the shredded cheddar cheese on top adds an irresistible gooey factor. The flavors meld together beautifully in the oven, and it’s all baked to perfection with minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 cups water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Preheat the oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will bake evenly once assembled.
Cook the ground beef and onion:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion becomes translucent. Be sure to break up the meat into small crumbles while cooking. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Add the ingredients:
To the cooked ground beef and onion, stir in the uncooked rice, both cans of soup (cream of mushroom and cream of chicken), the 2 cups of water, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the rice is evenly distributed.
Transfer to a baking dish:
Grease or spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and transfer the mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure that the rice is evenly covered by the liquid and soup mixture.
Cover and bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. This allows the rice to cook and absorb the flavors from the beef and soups.
Add the cheese:
After 1 hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and become bubbly.
Serve and enjoy:
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. The rice will have absorbed all the delicious flavors, and the melted cheese will add the perfect finishing touch.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 460 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 1,200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 39g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 21g

Preparation Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes baking time)
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

How to Serve:

Serve the casserole hot, straight from the oven, for a warm and comforting meal.
Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal. A side of steamed vegetables also works well.
If you want to make it more filling, serve with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls.
Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like parsley) for extra flavor and presentation.
For those who prefer extra spice, serve with a side of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Additional Tips:

Make it spicy: If your family enjoys a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
Use lean ground beef: For a healthier version, opt for lean ground beef (such as 90% lean) to reduce the fat content in the dish.
Substitute rice: If you prefer a different grain, brown rice or quinoa can be used instead of white rice. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time, as these grains take longer to cook.
Add vegetables: Mix in frozen peas, carrots, or corn for a more well-rounded meal with added nutrients.
Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days and can be easily reheated in the microwave or oven.

FAQ Section:

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this casserole?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used in place of ground beef. You can also make it with a meat substitute for a vegetarian option.

2. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as instructed.

3. Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain white rice?
While it’s possible to use instant rice, you’ll need to reduce the amount of water and adjust the cooking time. Instant rice cooks much faster, so you’ll want to keep an eye on it.

4. How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups. Make sure to double-check the label on the soup cans.

5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish.

6. How do I reheat leftover casserole?
To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for quicker reheating.

7. What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the casserole.

8. Can I substitute the soups for homemade versions?
Yes, you can make your own cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups if you prefer, but be sure to use similar amounts of liquid and flavoring to maintain the casserole’s creamy consistency.

9. Can I add other spices to this casserole?
Feel free to experiment with different spices like thyme, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to tailor the flavor to your liking.

10. Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Yes! This casserole is generally loved by kids due to its cheesy, comforting flavor and familiar ingredients. You can also adjust the spices to make it milder if needed.

This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a total crowd-pleaser that combines comfort and simplicity in one delicious dish. With minimal prep and only a few ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a filling and satisfying meal. The cheesy topping, savory beef, and creamy rice make this casserole the ultimate comfort food. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your dinner rotation – it’s just that good!