Savory Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Crafting a mouthwatering hamburger rice casserole brings comfort to your dinner table like nothing else.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic one-pan wonder.

Families adore the simplicity and robust flavors packed into each delicious bite.

Weeknight meals demand something quick, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing.

This recipe delivers a perfect balance of ground beef, fluffy rice, and savory seasonings.

Layers of melted cheese create a golden, irresistible top that makes everyone crave seconds.

You’ll want to dive right in and savor every single forkful.

What Makes Hamburger Rice Casserole So Filling

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground meats, vegetables, or cheeses to match family preferences and pantry availability.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty meats, savory rice, and melted cheese, this casserole delivers ultimate satisfaction for all ages.
• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Combines protein, grains, and vegetables in one dish, reducing prep time and minimizing kitchen cleanup.
• Perfect Potluck Performer: Travels well, serves multiple people, and guarantees delicious results that will impress at gatherings and social events.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: A flavorful and hearty combination that provides rich taste and satisfying texture to the casserole.

• White Rice, Brown Rice: A delightful mix of grains that adds substance and absorbs the delicious cooking liquids.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic: A classic aromatic blend that builds a deep and complex flavor foundation for the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Worcestershire Sauce, Beef Broth: A savory mixture that creates a moist and rich sauce for the casserole.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Bread Crumbs: A crispy and cheesy layer that provides a golden, crunchy finish to the casserole.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, clean flavor to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil, Aluminum Foil: Cooking essentials that help with preparation and even baking of the casserole.

Instructions For Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown The Meat

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and turkey, breaking the meat into small crumbles until completely cooked with no pink remaining.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables become soft and release their aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate Rice

Mix white and brown rice into the meat and vegetable mixture, stirring to coat the grains with the meat’s natural oils and juices.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Beef broth
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the skillet mixture into the dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 7: Create Crispy Layer

Dust the cheese with bread crumbs to develop a golden and crunchy topping.

Step 8: Bake The Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and edges bubble.

Step 9: Rest And Garnish

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving for a vibrant finish.

Handy Tips For Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Select Lean Meats: Choose ground beef and turkey with lower fat content to reduce greasiness and create a healthier dish.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic before adding meat to develop deeper, richer taste profiles.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent drying out, then uncover to achieve golden, crispy top.
• Boost Cheese Texture: Mix different cheese types like sharp cheddar and monterey jack for more complex, melty coverage.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Assemble casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for enhanced flavor melding.

Fun Twists On Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for a celiac-friendly option.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and use zucchini noodles as a base to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute ground meats with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or black beans for a protein-packed meatless casserole.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast instead of cheddar, and replace cream of mushroom soup with coconut cream and mushroom broth.

Perfect Pairings For Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Enhance Flavor Fusion: Pair this hearty meat and rice casserole with robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich beef and cheese elements.
• Refresh with Sides: Serve alongside crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy texture and cut through its richness.
• Brighten the Plate: Add roasted asparagus or steamed green beans with lemon zest to introduce a fresh, vibrant element that contrasts the dish's deep, savory profile.
• Complete the Meal: Offer crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide an additional textural element to the dining experience.

Storing Hamburger Rice Casserole The Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the dish for up to 2-3 months with minimal flavor loss.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and warm on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Questions Answered

• What meats are used in this recipe?

Ground beef and ground turkey are combined, creating a leaner protein mix with more depth of flavor compared to using just one type of meat.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free certified.

• Is this dish considered budget-friendly?

Absolutely. The recipe uses affordable ingredients like ground meat, rice, canned tomatoes, and basic pantry spices, making it economical and filling for families.

• How challenging is this recipe for home cooks?

This casserole is beginner-friendly. With straightforward steps like browning meat, mixing ingredients, and baking, even novice cooks can successfully prepare this dish without advanced culinary skills.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting hamburger rice casserole brings hearty Midwestern flavors to your dinner table. Savory ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese create a satisfying one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground turkey

Grains and Starches:

• 2 cups white rice
• 1 cup brown rice

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef and turkey together, breaking the meat into small crumbles until no pink remains.
3. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
4. Mix both white and brown rice into the meat mixture, stirring to combine and coat the grains with the meat’s natural oils.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, worcestershire sauce, beef broth, salt, and black pepper, thoroughly blending all ingredients.
6. Transfer the entire skillet mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Dust the cheese layer with bread crumbs for a crispy, golden topping.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are bubbling.
10. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

• Boost protein content by adding extra lean ground beef or swapping half the beef with ground chicken or turkey.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and replacing bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.
• Enhance vegetable nutrition by incorporating additional colorful vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach for more depth and nutrients.
• Modify for low-carb diets by substituting rice with cauliflower rice or using a smaller rice portion to reduce overall carbohydrate content.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg