There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a bubbling hamburger rice casserole fresh from the oven. This ultimate comfort food combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and melted cheese into one incredibly satisfying dish that’s guaranteed to become your family’s new favorite weeknight dinner. The best part? Everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze while delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works (And Will Become a Family Favorite)
This ground beef and rice casserole isn’t just another weeknight meal – it’s a game-changer for busy families. Here’s what makes it so special:
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor – everything cooks together seamlessly
- Perfectly Cooked Rice, Every Time: We share the secret to avoiding mushy rice that ruins most casseroles
- Incredibly Flavorful: A simple combination of seasonings creates a rich, savory sauce that ties everything together
- Completely Customizable: We’ll show you how to make it your own with endless variation possibilities
Ingredients & Substitutions
Casserole Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient Notes & Easy Swaps (The ‘What If’ Section)
Ground Beef: Can I use ground turkey or chicken? Absolutely! Ground turkey creates a lighter version, while ground chicken offers a milder flavor. Just make sure to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil since these meats are leaner.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: For a from-scratch version or if you don’t have canned soup, here’s a simple substitute: melt 2 tablespoons butter, whisk in 2 tablespoons flour, then gradually add 1 cup milk and season with salt and pepper until thickened.
Cheese: Best cheeses for melting? Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby work beautifully. You can also mix different cheeses – try half cheddar and half mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Rice: Can I use brown rice or Minute Rice? Brown rice needs 45 minutes longer cooking time and an extra cup of broth. Minute Rice works, but add it in the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent mushiness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onions (5 minutes) Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is translucent.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids (3 minutes) Stir in the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Mix well until the soup is completely incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the Rice (2 minutes) Add the uncooked rice and frozen vegetables, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The mixture should be slightly soupy – this is normal and necessary for proper rice cooking.
- Bake to Perfection (35 minutes) Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. The rice should be tender and most liquid absorbed.
- Top with Cheese and Melt (5 minutes) Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole Ever
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Fresh-shredded cheese creates that perfect, creamy texture you’re craving.
Don’t Rinse Your Rice: This preserves the natural starch, which helps thicken the casserole sauce and prevents it from being watery.
Let It Rest: Just like lasagna, letting your casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking helps everything set properly and makes serving much easier.
The Secret to No Mushy Rice: Before adding any liquid, toast the uncooked rice with the beef mixture for one minute. This helps each grain maintain its structure during the long baking process.
Fun Variations & Add-Ins
Spicy Tex-Mex Version: Replace onion soup mix with taco seasoning, add a can of corn and black beans, then top with pepper jack cheese. Serve with sour cream and salsa.
Veggie-Loaded: Stir in a cup of frozen peas and carrots, or sauté fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini before adding to the mix.
Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Add 6 strips of crumbled cooked bacon and finish with a drizzle of ketchup and mustard after baking.
Broccoli Cheddar Version: Add 2 cups of steamed broccoli florets in the last 15 minutes of baking for a complete meal in one dish.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
How to Store Leftovers
Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making leftovers incredibly delicious.
How to Freeze the Casserole (Baked or Unbaked)
For unbaked: Assemble completely, cover with plastic wrap and foil, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes. For baked: Cool completely, wrap well, freeze up to 2 months.
The Best Way to Reheat
Oven method (best): Cover with foil, reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Microwave: Heat individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this hamburger rice casserole without cream of mushroom soup?
Yes! Create a simple white sauce using 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons flour, and 1 cup milk. Cook until thickened, then season with garlic powder and herbs.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything except the cheese up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Add cheese in the final 5 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The rice should be tender when tested with a fork, and most of the liquid should be absorbed. If rice is still firm, cover and bake 10 more minutes.
My casserole came out watery, what did I do wrong?
This usually happens when there’s too much liquid or the casserole wasn’t covered properly during baking. Make sure to use the exact liquid measurements and seal the foil tightly. If it’s still watery, remove the foil and bake 10 more minutes uncovered.
This hamburger rice casserole proves that the best comfort foods are often the simplest ones. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll have a satisfying dinner that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to solution for busy weeknights when you need something hearty, delicious, and family-friendly.
Ready to make this tonight? Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
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Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A comforting and hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole loaded with savory beef, creamy mushroom soup, tender rice, and gooey cheese — a perfect one-pan family meal.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 packet onion soup mix
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
2 cups beef broth
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Mix well until the soup is completely incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the uncooked rice and frozen vegetables, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The mixture should be slightly soupy — this is normal and necessary for proper rice cooking.
5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes, until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken if preferred.
Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for more nutrition.
For a spicier version, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American