Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe: The Perfect Family Comfort Meal

Easy hamburger rice casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Warm, hearty meals like this craft ordinary ingredients into something magical and satisfying.

Ground beef provides robust flavor while rice creates a soft, welcoming foundation for this classic dish.

Creamy soups blend seamlessly with tender vegetables, creating layers of rich taste in each bite.

Melted cheese adds a golden, irresistible crown that makes everyone smile at dinner time.

Families gather around this simple yet incredible meal, knowing something special awaits their taste buds.

Your dinner table will come alive with excitement and anticipation.

The Comfort-Filled Ingredients You’ll Always Crave

• Ground Beef: Classic protein base with rich flavor, lean cuts preferable for less grease.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy binder that adds depth and moisture to the casserole.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Additional creamy element providing rich umami taste.

• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides golden top layer.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add crunch and aromatic base to the dish.
• Rice: Hearty grain that serves as substantial foundation for the casserole.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that brings bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Build This Cheesy, Meaty One-Dish Wonder

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Meat and Vegetables

• Chopped onion
• Chopped green bell pepper

Cook until vegetables soften. Drain excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Mix Casserole Ingredients

• Cooked meat mixture
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Cooked rice
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot directly from the oven for maximum flavor and comfort.

Tips for a Tasty Bake Without the Fuss

• Choose Lean Beef: Select ground beef with 85% lean meat to keep the casserole flavorful yet not too greasy.
• Rice Texture Matters: Use day-old or slightly cooled rice to prevent the casserole from becoming mushy and maintain a perfect consistency.
• Customize Vegetable Mix: Swap green peppers with zucchini or add mushrooms for extra nutrition and different flavor profiles.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make cutting easier.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep option.

How to Store It Without Drying It Out

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover casserole into an airtight container within two hours after cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole flat to maintain its texture and prevent soggy edges.
• Freezing: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then add aluminum foil for extra protection. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness. Frozen casseroles maintain best quality when consumed within the first month.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

What to Serve with This Hearty Family Favorite

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the hamburger casserole. The wine's tannic structure cuts through the creamy cheese and helps enhance the dish's savory profile.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The salad's acidity will balance the casserole's hearty and creamy texture, providing a delightful contrast on the plate.
• Add Zesty Pickled Vegetables: Include quick-pickled cucumber or jalapeño slices as a bright, crunchy accompaniment. These tangy pickles will add a sharp, refreshing element that cuts through the richness of the cheesy rice and meat mixture.
• Complement with Craft Beer: Choose an amber ale or hoppy IPA that matches the casserole's robust flavor. The beer's carbonation and malty undertones will perfectly complement the dish's creamy, cheesy elements.

Additions That Make This Casserole a Crowd-Pleaser

• Mexican Fiesta Casserole: Swap ground beef with seasoned taco-style ground beef, add diced jalapeños, replace cream soups with salsa, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Use ground lamb instead of beef, incorporate oregano and rosemary, replace cream soups with Greek yogurt, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Veggie Power Casserole: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or sautéed mushrooms, add mixed vegetables like zucchini and carrots, use vegetable broth instead of cream soups, and top with nutritional yeast for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Season ground beef with Cajun spices, add diced andouille sausage, mix in bell peppers and celery, use creole seasoning, and top with sharp cheddar and green onions for a Louisiana-style casserole.

Why This Hamburger Casserole Is a Weeknight Hero

• Create Comforting One-Dish Meal: This hamburger rice casserole delivers a complete dinner in a single pan, eliminating multiple cooking steps and reducing kitchen cleanup time.
• Maximize Flavor Combination: Creamy soups, tender ground beef, melted cheese, and seasoned rice blend together to create a rich, satisfying taste profile that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Solution: With just 45 minutes from start to finish, this recipe provides a hearty meal perfect for busy families seeking delicious, home-cooked dinner without complex preparation techniques.

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger rice casserole delivers comfort on a plate, blending ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese into a satisfying one-dish meal. Families will savor this quick, budget-friendly dinner that brings warmth and flavor to the table in just minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Grain and Cheese:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) cooked white rice
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces (42 grams) cream of chicken soup (1 can)
• 1.5 ounces (42 grams) cream of mushroom soup (1 can)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Place ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, cooking until it browns completely and crumbles easily.
3. Add finely diced onions and green bell peppers to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become tender and translucent.
4. Carefully drain any accumulated fat from the meat and vegetable mixture to reduce excess grease.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and vegetable mixture with cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and pre-cooked rice.
6. Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
7. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly across the bottom to create an even layer.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface of the casserole.
9. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and the edges become bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set slightly.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and serve hot directly from the baking dish.

Notes

• Packed with comfort and nostalgia, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into a hearty family-friendly meal that comes together quickly.
• Versatile ground beef gets transformed by creamy soups and rice, creating a one-dish wonder that satisfies hungry appetites.
• Customize this recipe by swapping ground beef with turkey or adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for more nutrition.
• Pro tip: Use leftover rice or instant rice to speed up preparation and reduce overall cooking time.
• Leftovers store wonderfully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making this an excellent meal prep option for busy households.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 85mg