Hearty Hamburger & Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

Every comfort-loving soul needs this hearty hamburger & rice casserole when hunger strikes unexpectedly.

Midwestern kitchens have perfected this delightful one-pan wonder that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle seamlessly with fluffy rice and melted cheese.

Weeknight meal planning just became incredibly simple and satisfying.

Families adore how quickly this dish comes together with minimal ingredients.

Pantry staples transform into a crowd-pleasing feast that feels like a culinary hug.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this delectable creation that promises both convenience and flavor.

Hamburger & Rice Casserole Ingredient Set

• Ground Beef: Hearty main protein with rich flavor, best when lean to reduce excess fat.
• Beef Broth: Adds deep meat flavor and helps cook rice, choose low-sodium for better control.

• Rice: Absorbs flavors and creates satisfying base, long-grain white rice works best.

• Onion: Provides sweet, savory base notes and aromatic depth.
• Garlic Powder: Adds consistent garlic flavor without chopping fresh garlic.

• Oregano, Paprika: Warm spices that enhance meat's natural taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out dish's overall flavor.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates rich, slightly tangy sauce base.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and bright tomato flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, golden cheese layer for creamy finish.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh color and light herbal note.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Comfort Dish Directions

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Warmly preheat your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and softly coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown The Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces.

Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden brown color and no pink remains.

Carefully drain away any excess fat.

Step 3: Enhance The Beef Flavor

• Chopped onions
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Sweet paprika

Sauté these ingredients for 2-3 minutes, allowing the onions to become translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Create The Savory Mixture

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the mixture gently simmer, blending all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the entire beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

The rice should become tender and absorb most of the liquid.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Topping

Remove the casserole from the oven and discard the foil.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 8: Final Cheese Melting

Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Watch as the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 9: Garnish And Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot directly from the baking dish.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Hamburger & Rice Casserole

• Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that still delivers delicious flavor.
• Rinse rice before adding to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separate grains in your casserole.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by adding chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the meat mixture for added color and nutrients.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for busy weeknight meals.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, gouda, or Swiss to create unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.

Hamburger & Rice Casserole Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent dryness. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer casserole to baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Hamburger & Rice Casserole Combos

• Pair with Zesty Green Salad: Toss crisp romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness.
• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that matches the hearty beef and tomato flavors in the dish.
• Serve with Garlic Breadsticks: Create warm, buttery breadsticks seasoned with garlic and herbs to soak up the delicious sauce from the casserole.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle additional chopped parsley or chives on top to brighten the flavor profile and add a pop of color to the plate.

Hamburger Rice Casserole with Other Toppings

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a grain-free alternative. Use gluten-free tomato sauce and verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for additional protein and texture.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace rice with riced cauliflower or chopped mushrooms. Use low-carb cheese and reduce tomato sauce quantity to minimize carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate feta cheese instead of cheddar. Add kalamata olives, swap oregano for fresh basil, and include diced Mediterranean vegetables like eggplant or artichokes.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but increase the liquid and baking time. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking period to become tender.

• Is it okay to use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and drain any excess fat before mixing with other ingredients.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños during the cooking process. You can also use a spicy tomato sauce or sprinkle hot sauce on top before serving.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Hamburger & Rice Casserole Is a Weeknight Classic

• Quick Family Meal: Perfect for busy weeknights when parents need a delicious, hearty dinner that comes together effortlessly with minimal preparation and cleanup.
• One-Pot Wonder: Eliminates multiple cooking steps by combining proteins, grains, and seasonings in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time during meal preparation.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and basic pantry spices to create a satisfying meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.
• Kid-Approved Flavor Profile: Offers mild, crowd-pleasing seasonings that appeal to children while providing balanced nutrition through meat, rice, and cheese, making dinnertime stress-free for parents.

Hamburger & Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger & rice casserole delivers comfort straight from midwest kitchens, blending savory ground beef with fluffy rice in a creamy, cheesy embrace. Quick weeknight dinners welcome this satisfying classic that brings families together around one delicious, golden-brown dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef

Dairy:

• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Staple Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 (15 oz / 425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) beef broth

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Warm up the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, crumbling the meat as it cooks until it turns completely brown, then drain any excess fat.
3. Enhance the beef with aromatic onions, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. Introduce tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, beef broth, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring to combine and allowing the mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
5. Carefully transfer the entire beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
6. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, allowing the rice to become tender and absorb the flavorful liquid.
7. Remove the foil and generously scatter shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the casserole.
8. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, monitoring until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
9. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the casserole and serve while still warm, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Optimize rice texture by using long-grain rice, which prevents mushiness and provides better separation during cooking.
• Customize protein options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Enhance flavor complexity by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil before adding ground meat, which develops deeper caramelized undertones.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium beef broth and controlling salt amounts, making the casserole more heart-healthy without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 558 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 77 mg