Description
This Hamburger Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and budget-friendly dish made with ground beef, rice, and simple pantry staples. It’s an easy and comforting recipe perfect for family dinners or meal prep, delivering a rich blend of flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Rice and Grains
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
Soup and Broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Combine Ingredients: In the greased baking dish, mix together the browned ground beef, uncooked long-grain white rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the rice to cook and absorb the flavors.
- Check Rice Tenderness: After 45 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and check if the rice is tender. If it needs more time, recover with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Once the rice is tender, remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time helps the casserole set for easier serving and enhances the flavors. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy hamburger rice casserole!
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Feel free to add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- If cream of mushroom soup is not available, cream of celery or cream of chicken soup can be substituted.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the mix.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
