Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty, easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love? This Hamburger Rice Casserole is a budget-friendly, one-dish meal that combines ground beef, rice, and a creamy, savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but quick to prepare. Plus, it’s highly customizable—add vegetables, different seasonings, or cheese to make it your own.

Let’s dive into the full Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe and all the tips you need to make this easy, satisfying meal.

What is Hamburger Rice Casserole?

Hamburger Rice Casserole is a baked dish featuring ground beef (hamburger), cooked rice, and a creamy sauce. Often mixed with cheese and vegetables, this casserole is baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a versatile, filling meal that can be made ahead and stored for easy dinners. Think of it as a twist on classic hamburger-helper-style meals but with more wholesome, homemade ingredients.

Ingredients List for Hamburger Rice Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting Hamburger Rice Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white or brown rice (or 3 cups cooked rice)
• 2 cups beef broth (or water)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
• ½ cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
• Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the dish)
• Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Ingredients List for Hamburger Rice Casserole (Vegetarian Option)

For a meatless version of this casserole, swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein or extra vegetables. Here’s a modified ingredient list:

• 1 lb plant-based ground beef substitute or 2 cups diced mushrooms
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white or brown rice (or 3 cups cooked rice)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup (vegetarian)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, use plant-based if needed)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for vegan version)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or plant-based cheese)
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or plant-based cheese)
• ½ cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing
• Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

The Hamburger Rice Casserole is very flexible, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

• Meat Alternatives: You can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sausage for the ground beef. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers.
• Rice Options: This recipe works with white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice. You can also use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice to make the process faster.
• Cream Soup Options: Use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cream of cheese soup for a different flavor profile. You can also make a homemade cream sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soup.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar would all work well in this casserole.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: This casserole pairs well with veggies like peas, carrots, green beans, or bell peppers. You can add them in for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or use chili powder or paprika to kick up the flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make your Hamburger Rice Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
   • Drain any excess fat.
   • Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
   • Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and remove from heat.
3. Cook the Rice:
   • If you haven’t already cooked your rice, cook 1 cup of uncooked rice with 2 cups of beef broth (or water) according to package instructions. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set aside. (If using leftover or pre-cooked rice, skip this step.)
4. Mix the Casserole Base:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, browned beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream (if using). Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
   • If adding frozen peas or mixed vegetables, stir them into the mixture.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Pour the rice and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
6. Bake the Casserole:
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
   • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
7. Rest and Serve:
   • Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

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

Cooking the Hamburger Rice Casserole is simple and only requires a few steps. The main task is cooking the ground beef and rice, which can be done simultaneously. Once everything is mixed together, it’s just a matter of layering the casserole, topping it with cheese, and baking it until it’s golden and bubbly. The result is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Hamburger Rice Casserole turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Undercooked Rice: Make sure your rice is fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients. If it’s undercooked, it won’t absorb the flavors properly and could remain crunchy.
• Overmixing the Ingredients: When mixing the rice, beef, and sauce, avoid overmixing as this can break down the ingredients too much and affect the texture.
• Forgetting to Cover While Baking: Be sure to cover the casserole with foil for the first part of the baking process. This keeps it moist and prevents the cheese from over-browning.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Side Dishes: Serve this casserole with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or some warm dinner rolls. Steamed broccoli or green beans also pair well with this dish.
• Toppings: Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for added flavor and color.
• Family Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a rustic, homestyle presentation. Let everyone help themselves for a family-style dinner.

How to Serve Hamburger Rice Casserole

To serve the Hamburger Rice Casserole, scoop it out with a large spoon or cut it into squares if it has set firm enough. This dish is filling on its own but can be paired with a side of vegetables or a light salad to balance out the richness. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Rice Casserole

For a cozy presentation, serve the casserole in a rustic dish straight from the oven, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. You can also place small bowls of sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce on the side for guests to add their preferred toppings.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake as directed when ready.
• Freezing: To freeze the casserole, assemble it but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

2. Can I use instant rice or minute rice?
Yes, you can use instant rice if you’re short on time. Just follow the instructions for preparing the rice before adding it to the casserole.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! The Hamburger Rice Casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

4. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version. Double-check that all your seasonings and sauces, like Worcestershire sauce, are also gluten-free.

5. What other vegetables can I add to this casserole?
Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, green beans, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These will add extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.

Conclusion

The Hamburger Rice Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its simple ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you keep it classic with ground beef and rice or customize it with different vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings, this casserole is versatile enough to suit any taste. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!

Print