Quick & Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delightful hamburger rice casserole can transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

Savory ground beef mingles perfectly with fluffy rice and melted cheese.

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this simple one-pan marvel.

Kids and adults alike will cheer when you bring this hearty dish to the table.

Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this recipe comes together quickly and easily.

Layers of rich ingredients create a mouthwatering meal that satisfies deep hunger.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing recipe for future family dinners.

FAQs For Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• What makes this ground beef and turkey casserole protein-rich?

The combination of ground beef and turkey provides a lean protein boost, offering a balanced meat mixture that’s healthier than using just beef alone.

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Long-grain white and brown rice work best, as they have similar cooking times and absorb flavors well. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice, which might become mushy.

• Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed in the original recipe.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture during cooking to introduce some heat and additional flavor complexity.

Why Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Is A Favorite

• Boost Nutrition with Veggie Power: Packed with mixed vegetables, this casserole delivers a nutritious punch that sneaks healthy ingredients into every delicious bite.
• Customize and Conquer: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping meats, trying different cheeses, or adding your favorite seasonings to make it uniquely yours.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty one-dish meal that satisfies hungry families and delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.
• Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for preparing ahead, this casserole freezes beautifully and reheats like a dream, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

What You Need For Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: Hearty base that provides rich, meaty flavor and protein to the casserole.

• Long-Grain White Rice, Long-Grain Brown Rice: Grains that absorb flavors and create a satisfying, textured foundation for the dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and savory undertones to the casserole.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Colorful blend that introduces additional nutrition and texture.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy element that helps bind ingredients and adds rich, smooth consistency.
• Beef Broth: Flavorful liquid that enhances the overall taste and keeps the casserole moist.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's overall flavor profile.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty ingredient that creates a golden, crispy surface with tangy cheese flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herbal notes.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning meats and preventing sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps manage cooking temperature and moisture during baking.

How To Make Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and ground turkey, breaking the meat into tiny crumbles until fully cooked with no pink remaining.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their delicious fragrance.

Step 3: Mix Rice and Liquids

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Beef broth
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Fold frozen mixed vegetables into the casserole mixture, ensuring they are well distributed throughout.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a beautiful golden surface.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until rice is tender and cheese is bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty meal!

Tips To Make Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Better

• Prevent Rice Sticking: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure separate, fluffy grains.
• Boost Meat Flavor: Brown ground beef and turkey in batches to develop deeper, richer caramelized flavors and avoid steaming.
• Enhance Vegetable Nutrition: Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal produce for extra crispness and nutritional value.
• Create Creamy Texture: Use low-sodium broth to control salt content and prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
• Elevate Cheese Topping: Let cheese cool slightly before serving to achieve a perfect melted consistency and prevent burning.

Yummy Styles Of Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Medley: Replace ground meats with plant-based protein crumbles or cooked lentils, maintaining the same spice and vegetable mix for a hearty meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade cashew cream sauce and use gluten-free broth to accommodate dietary restrictions while preserving rich flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates, keeping the protein and vegetable components intact for a lighter meal option.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and use oregano and thyme instead of traditional seasonings for a Greek-style transformation of the classic casserole.

Good Sides For Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole, cutting through the creamy cheese and enhancing the savory notes.
• Serve Crisp Garden Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and vinaigrette dressing to balance the hearty casserole, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Match Tangy Craft Beer: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA that will stand up to the robust meat and cheese combination, offering a slightly bitter counterpoint to the creamy texture.

How To Store Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Well

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish.

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 65-70 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole brings classic comfort straight from midwestern kitchens to your dinner table. Simple ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal where ground beef, rice, and creamy sauce unite in one delicious family-friendly dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground turkey (optional)

Rice and Grains:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 cup brown rice

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then thoroughly brown the ground beef and turkey, breaking the meat into small crumbles until no pink remains.
3. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the meat, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors.
4. Incorporate both long-grain white and brown rice into the meat mixture, stirring to coat the grains with the savory pan juices.
5. Pour in cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, salt, and black pepper, mixing everything until well combined and evenly distributed.
6. Fold in the frozen mixed vegetables, ensuring they are thoroughly integrated throughout the casserole mixture.
7. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty surface that will develop a delightful crispy texture.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender and the cheese is bubbling.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
11. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness before serving hot.

Notes

• Swap ground beef and turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein and texture.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium beef broth and cream of mushroom soup, perfect for heart-conscious diners.
• Toast rice briefly before adding liquids to enhance its nutty flavor and improve overall dish depth.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gruyère to create unique flavor profiles that transform the traditional casserole experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg