Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Savory Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Crafting a delectable hamburger rice casserole brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients combine to create a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle with fluffy rice and melted cheese, promising pure deliciousness.

Families adore this one-pan wonder for its simplicity and rich flavors.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, this casserole solves weeknight dinner dilemmas with ease.

Home cooks appreciate how minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction.

What Makes Hamburger Rice Casserole So Easy and Filling

  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra veggies to make this recipe uniquely yours, catering to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep and cooking steps mean you can have a delicious, filling dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Packed with classic flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Ingredients for Hamburger Rice Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.
  • Minute Rice: Quick-cooking rice that provides a fluffy and filling foundation for the dish.
  • Colby Jack Cheese: A melty and flavorful topping that adds richness and creamy texture.
Soup and Seasoning:
  • Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix, Cream of Mushroom Soup: These ingredients create a savory and creamy sauce that enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth and intensifies the meaty flavor of the dish.
Dairy and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Milk, Sour Cream: Contribute to the creamy consistency and provide a smooth, rich texture.
  • Mushrooms: Add an earthy flavor and additional texture to the casserole.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: An optional, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a light, herbal note to the finished casserole.

How to Prepare Hamburger Rice Casserole

How to Prepare Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit, preparing it for the delicious casserole adventure ahead.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a spacious skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until it turns a rich, appetizing brown.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

Combine the following ingredients into the skillet:
  • Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Beef broth
  • Milk
  • Sour cream
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 4: Incorporate the Rice

Mix in the Minute Rice and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the grains to absorb all the delicious seasonings.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Colby jack cheese across the entire surface of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for bubbly, golden-brown cheese as your signal of deliciousness.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Scatter some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness before serving your mouthwatering hamburger rice casserole.

Pro Tips for Hamburger Rice Casserole

  • Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder to enhance the beef's rich, savory profile.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a perfectly creamy topping.
  • Swap Minute Rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
  • Chop fresh chives or green onions as an alternative to parsley for a bright, zesty garnish that adds color and freshness.

Variations on Hamburger Rice Casserole

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace Minute Rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the casserole's creamy texture and hearty flavor.
  • Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth to create a meat-free version of the classic casserole.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure the Lipton Soup Mix is gluten-free, making the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese instead of Colby jack, add diced olives, and use Greek seasoning to transform the casserole into a Mediterranean-style dish with unique Mediterranean flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Rice Casserole

  • Family Feast Favorite: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad and tangy vinaigrette for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
  • Comfort Food Companion: Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli to add extra nutrition and color to the plate.
  • Weekend Meal Upgrade: Top with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking for a delightful crunchy texture that elevates the entire dish.
  • Leftovers Lunch Idea: Pack in a sealed container for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats perfectly in the microwave, making meal prep a breeze.

How to Store Hamburger Rice Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Stays fresh for 2-3 months.
  • Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil last 5 minutes to restore cheese's golden texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute Minute Rice with regular long-grain rice, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times and liquid amounts to ensure the rice cooks properly.

  • Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

  • What can I do if I don't have Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix?

No worries! Replace it with onion powder, dried minced onions, or a homemade seasoning blend to maintain the flavor profile.

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Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting hamburger rice casserole delivers hearty midwestern flavors in one satisfying dish. Ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese blend perfectly for a simple meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef (90-10% blend)
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) Colby jack cheese, shredded

Soup and Liquid Base:

  • 2.2 ounces (62 grams) Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix
  • 21 ounces (595 grams) cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) whole milk
  • 3/4 cup (180 grams) sour cream

Additional Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) sliced mushrooms, drained
  • 2 cups (340 grams) Minute Rice white rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1.5 tablespoons (22 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring complete cooking and draining any excess fat.
  2. Incorporate Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix, cream of mushroom soup, sliced mushrooms, beef broth, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper, mixing ingredients until well combined.
  3. Fold in Minute Rice and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing rice to slightly absorb the liquid and flavors.
  4. Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
  5. Generously distribute shredded Colby jack cheese across the top of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Place the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
  7. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and mild herbal essence before serving hot.

Notes

  • Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure crispy texture.
  • Mix soup mix and broth gradually to control moisture and prevent soupy consistency.
  • Choose lean ground beef (90/10) for healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for unique taste profiles.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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