Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Hamburger Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together ground beef, rice, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, providing a filling and satisfying option that can be prepared ahead of time. With its cheesy goodness and savory flavors, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before starting, ensure you have all your ingredients ready. This not only saves time but also makes the cooking process smoother.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

1. Cook the Rice: If using long-grain white rice, cook according to package instructions, typically using 2 cups of water to 1 cup of rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until tender. For brown rice, follow the package instructions for a longer cooking time.
2. Set Aside: Once cooked, set the rice aside and fluff with a fork to separate the grains.

Step 3: Brown the Beef and Vegetables

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Mix in the Vegetables: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
2. Add the Rice and Sauce:
   • Lower the heat and add the cooked rice to the skillet with the beef mixture.
   • In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Mix well.
   • Pour the broth mixture over the rice and beef, stirring until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Transfer to a Casserole Dish

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a bit of oil.
2. Pour the Mixture: Transfer the beef and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

1. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. You can add more cheese if you prefer a cheesier dish.
2. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve

1. Cool Slightly: After removing the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set.
2. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
3. Enjoy: Serve hot, possibly with a side of salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Variations

Mexican Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Seasonings: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian herbs and mix in black beans and corn.
• Toppings: Top with salsa, sliced jalapeños, and avocado after baking.

Italian Style

• Sauce: Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with marinara sauce for an Italian twist.
• Cheese: Use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar.

Vegetarian Option

• Substitutes: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of beans (black beans, kidney beans) and extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
• Broth: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality meat can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
2. Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick!
3. Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil.
4. Freezing: This dish freezes well. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it before baking. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
5. Check Doneness: Ensure that the casserole reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Conclusion

Hamburger Rice Casserole is an easy, comforting dish that can bring the whole family together around the dinner table. With its creamy texture, delicious flavors, and the heartiness of rice and ground beef, this casserole is perfect for meal prep or a cozy family meal.

This recipe is versatile, allowing for countless variations and adaptations to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it as a straightforward beef casserole or want to experiment with different flavors, Hamburger Rice Casserole is sure to be a hit in your home. Enjoy this delightful dish, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family!

Yield: 6

Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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Hamburger Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together ground beef, rice, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, providing a filling and satisfying option that can be prepared ahead of time. With its cheesy goodness and savory flavors, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   
3. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
   
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
   
5. Bake the Casserole:
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
   After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top (if using). Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
6. Serve:
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

Variations: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or another flavor.

Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.