Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Are you craving a hearty, easy-to-make meal that satisfies the entire family? Look no further than this Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe! This delicious, flavorful dish combines savory beef, creamy mushroom soup, and fluffy rice for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking for a comfort meal to share, this casserole checks all the boxes. So, let’s dive into the details and learn how to create the ultimate hamburger rice casserole. Keep reading to discover how you can make this delicious dish step-by-step!

this Recipe

What is Hamburger Rice Casserole?

Hamburger rice casserole is a savory dish that brings together flavorful ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and tender rice in one mouthwatering combination. It's an all-in-one meal that delivers a rich, hearty flavor while being extremely easy to prepare. The casserole is baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to blend together beautifully, creating a wholesome, comforting meal that will quickly become a family favorite.

This recipe can be easily customized with various vegetables, spices, and cheeses, making it a versatile dish that you can modify to suit your preferences. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this hamburger rice casserole is a must-try.

Ingredients List for Hamburger Rice Casserole

To create this delicious and comforting casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients. These are simple pantry staples that are easy to find and combine to create a flavorful, hearty dish:

• 1 pound lean ground beef – I used a 90-10% blend, which provides enough fat for flavor without being overly greasy.
• 2.2 ounces Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix – Adds a rich, savory onion flavor to the dish.
• 21 ounces cream of mushroom soup – The base of the creamy texture in the casserole.
• 4 ounces sliced mushrooms, drained – You can use fresh mushrooms or canned, depending on your preference.
• 2 cups beef broth – Adds extra moisture and flavor to the dish.
• ¾ cup whole milk – Contributes to the creamy texture of the casserole.
• ¾ cup sour cream – Enhances the richness and creaminess of the dish.
• ½ teaspoon salt – To season the dish.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of spice and flavor.
• 2 cups Minute Rice white rice – Quick-cooking rice that will absorb the flavors of the casserole beautifully.
• 8 ounces Colby jack cheese, shredded – A blend of cheeses that melts perfectly on top.
• 1½ tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish) – Adds a fresh, bright touch to the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this hamburger rice casserole recipe is its versatility. Here are a few substitution ideas and variations you can try:

• Ground Beef Alternatives: If you don’t have ground beef or prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead. These alternatives will still provide plenty of flavor and a similar texture.
• Soup Options: While cream of mushroom soup is traditional, you can switch it up by using cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. Each one will offer a slightly different flavor but will still contribute to the creamy consistency.
• Vegetables: You can add vegetables such as diced bell peppers, peas, or carrots to increase the nutritional content of the casserole. Simply mix them in before baking.
• Rice Alternatives: If you don’t have Minute Rice on hand, you can use long-grain white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly since non-instant rice may take longer to cook.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a little extra flavor or spice.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this delicious casserole? Follow these easy steps to bring this hearty dish to life:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks, and stir occasionally until it's fully cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
3. Combine the Soup Mix and Broth: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream. Stir until all ingredients are well-blended.
4. Add the Rice and Beef: Stir in the Minute Rice and cooked ground beef into the soup mixture. Mix everything until evenly distributed.
5. Season with Salt and Pepper: Add the salt and black pepper to the mixture, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
6. Pour into the Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Add Mushrooms and Cheese: Evenly distribute the sliced mushrooms on top of the casserole mixture. Then sprinkle the shredded Colby jack cheese generously across the top.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
9. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve.

How to Cook Hamburger Rice Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this casserole is incredibly simple, but here’s a more detailed guide to ensure perfect results every time:

1. Browning the Beef: Make sure to cook the beef thoroughly and break it into small crumbles to ensure even distribution in the casserole. Draining excess fat helps to avoid greasiness.
2. Mixing the Ingredients: Stir the soup mix, broth, and other ingredients well to ensure an even and smooth mixture. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl to incorporate everything.
3. Distribute Rice Evenly: When mixing in the rice, make sure it's evenly spread throughout the casserole to avoid clumps of rice and ensure even cooking.
4. Cheese Melting: If you like extra crispy cheese, you can broil the casserole for the last couple of minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe like hamburger rice casserole, there are a few mistakes you can avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

• Not Draining the Beef: Leaving excess grease in the beef can make your casserole overly oily and heavy. Always drain off the excess fat after browning the beef.
• Undercooking the Casserole: Make sure the casserole is thoroughly baked. If you take it out too soon, the rice may not be fully cooked. If you’re using rice that isn’t instant, it will need a longer cooking time.
• Too Much Liquid: Adding too much broth or milk can result in a runny casserole. Stick to the quantities listed in the recipe to ensure the perfect consistency.
• Overcrowding the Casserole with Vegetables: While adding vegetables is a great way to enhance the dish, be mindful not to overload it. Too many veggies can release excess moisture, which might affect the texture of the casserole.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your casserole is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve! Here are some ideas to make your presentation as mouthwatering as the flavor:

How to Serve Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Portion Control: Use a spatula to serve square portions of the casserole. The dish holds together well, making it easy to portion out.
• Side Dishes: Serve your casserole with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Salad Pairing: A light side salad with a simple vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the casserole's heartiness.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens up the flavors. You can also top it with some crispy onions for added texture.
• Cheese Topping: For an extra cheesy experience, add a bit more shredded Colby jack after baking and let it melt just before serving.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the casserole and wrap it tightly in foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.
• Double the Recipe: Feeding a larger crowd? Double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish or two 9x13 pans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use long-grain white rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice. Keep in mind that these types of rice may require additional cooking time.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even gouda for a twist on the original recipe.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Rice Casserole recipe is a true crowd-pleaser! It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and customizable to fit your family's preferences. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a dish for a gathering, this casserole delivers on both flavor and simplicity. Give it a try, and we’re sure it will become a staple in your recipe rotation!

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