Name: Hamburger & Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483898H49M
Total time: PT-483898H49M
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer); 2 cups white rice (uncooked); 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken); 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or blend of your choice); Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce; Optional: crispy fried onions for topping; Optional: peas, corn, or bell peppers for added veggies

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Short Description
This Hamburger & Rice Casserole is one of those comforting, family-friendly meals that never fails to hit the spot. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavors everyone will love. Plus, it’s an easy one-pot dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole brings together two of the most comforting ingredients: ground beef and rice. The savory hamburger meat is combined with tender rice and a flavorful sauce that’s cheesy, creamy, and just the right amount of savory. It’s incredibly filling, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Plus, you probably already have all the ingredients in your kitchen, so no need for a last-minute grocery run!

Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need for this tasty dish:

Ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer)
White rice (uncooked)
Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken, if you prefer)
Onion
Garlic powder
Shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend of your choice)

For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, scroll down below!

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is cooked through and no longer pink, drain any excess grease. Add in some chopped onions and cook until they’re softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice
While the beef is cooking, prepare your rice. If you’re using uncooked rice, just follow the directions on the package to get it nice and fluffy. You’ll want about 2 cups of cooked rice for this casserole.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, rice, and the can of cream of mushroom soup. If you want to make it extra creamy, you can stir in a little milk or broth. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined. Then, transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.

Step 4: Add Cheese
Once your casserole is in the dish, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top. This is what makes the casserole extra gooey and delicious when baked.

Step 5: Bake
Cover the casserole with foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For a little more flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the beef mixture.
If you like a little crunch, top the casserole with some crispy fried onions during the last 5 minutes of baking.
You can also sneak in some veggies like peas, corn, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
For a vegetarian twist, try using plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils.
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade cream sauce instead.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. If you’re looking to make it a heartier meal, serve it with some garlic bread or a side of roasted potatoes. A side of tangy pickles or a creamy coleslaw can also be a great balance to the rich flavors.

Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day or two ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the brown rice according to package directions before adding it to the casserole.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! You can add in cooked veggies like peas, carrots, or even spinach to make it more nutritious.
What kind of cheese is best for this casserole?
Cheddar cheese works wonderfully because it melts well and gives the casserole a nice sharp flavor. You can also use a Mexican blend for a little extra flair.

Conclusion
This Hamburger & Rice Casserole is the perfect go-to recipe when you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and comforting. It’s so simple to make and is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner tonight or prepping for the week, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy!

Hamburger & Rice Casserole

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This Hamburger & Rice Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly meal that brings together savory ground beef, tender rice, and a cheesy, creamy sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, making it a go-to dish for a satisfying dinner.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Casserole, Dinner
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef:
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease, add chopped onions, and cook until softened (3-4 minutes). Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Rice:
Cook the white rice according to package directions until fluffy (about 2 cups cooked rice).
Assemble the Casserole:
In a large bowl, combine cooked ground beef, rice, and cream of mushroom soup. If you want extra creaminess, stir in a little milk or broth. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
Add Cheese:
Top the casserole with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
Bake:
Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown on top.

Notes

For added flavor, you can splash Worcestershire or soy sauce in the beef mixture.
To add crunch, top the casserole with crispy fried onions in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Sneak in veggies like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.