If you’re looking for a comforting, simple meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the dish to try. This one-pan recipe combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and savory ingredients that come together to create a satisfying, hearty meal. It’s an easy-to-make casserole that’s both delicious and filling, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping. In this article, you’ll learn how to make this easy casserole from scratch, customize it with your favorite ingredients, and get tips for storage and serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that’s both comforting and practical. The combination of tender ground beef and rice creates a filling, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. What makes this casserole stand out is its simplicity—just a few ingredients, one pan, and minimal prep time. The beef is seasoned with savory spices, which infuses the rice with rich, hearty flavor as it bakes.

The versatility of this dish is another reason you’ll love it. You can easily add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to the mix, or switch up the cheese to create a different flavor profile. It’s the kind of meal that you can modify based on what you have in your kitchen, making it an excellent go-to recipe for busy families. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.

Recipe Details

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a well-loved, comforting dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or creating multiple meals from one recipe. The casserole is made by layering seasoned ground beef, rice, and other ingredients in a baking dish. The rice absorbs all the flavors of the beef, creating a savory, rich filling. Topped with melted cheese, the casserole becomes a warm, gooey masterpiece that everyone will enjoy.

This casserole is a great choice for family dinners because it’s simple to prepare and feeds a crowd. The recipe works well with ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge, such as rice, ground beef, cheese, and a few spices. It’s customizable, too. Whether you like to add extra vegetables, use a different type of cheese, or experiment with seasonings, this recipe can be easily tailored to suit your tastes.

One of the best things about Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is its ability to be made ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it an ideal meal prep option, especially for busy nights when you want to come home and have dinner almost ready to go.

Nutritional Information for Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a filling, balanced meal that provides a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. A typical serving of this casserole contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used. The ground beef is the main protein source in the dish, providing essential amino acids that support muscle repair and overall health. It’s also a good source of B vitamins and minerals like zinc and iron.

The rice provides complex carbohydrates, offering a steady source of energy throughout the day. While this casserole is comforting, it can be a bit high in fat and sodium due to the cheese and beef. To make this dish healthier, you can opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, use a reduced-fat cheese, or substitute white rice with brown rice for added fiber.

If you want to increase the nutritional value, you can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or carrots to the casserole. These will add vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making the dish even more satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients for Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

To make Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend of your choice)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a milder flavor)
Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or other vegetables

These simple ingredients come together to create a balanced, satisfying casserole. The ground beef is the key protein source, while the rice helps to make the dish hearty and filling. The cream of mushroom soup provides a creamy texture, and the diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity to balance out the richness. The shredded cheese adds a melty, gooey finish to the dish.

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding extra vegetables or different seasonings. For instance, you can use Italian seasoning, add bell peppers, or even stir in some cooked bacon for extra flavor. The flexibility of this recipe makes it a great base for experimentation.

Equipment Needed for Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

To make Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole, you will need the following kitchen tools:

Large skillet: For cooking the ground beef and onion.
Large mixing bowl: To combine the beef, rice, soup, and other ingredients.
9×13-inch baking dish: For assembling and baking the casserole.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of ingredients.
Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir the ingredients and ensure even cooking.

These basic kitchen tools will make the process of preparing Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole straightforward and efficient. The large skillet is essential for browning the meat and cooking the onions, while the mixing bowl is used to combine all of the ingredients before baking.

Pro Tips for Success

To make sure your Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:

Brown the Meat Properly: Be sure to brown the ground beef (or turkey) in the skillet, breaking it up into small crumbles. This step adds flavor and ensures the meat is cooked through.
Use Long-Grain Rice: Long-grain rice works best for this casserole as it remains fluffy and doesn’t become too sticky when baked. Be sure to use uncooked rice, as it will absorb the flavors from the soup and broth during baking.
Customize the Vegetables: You can add a variety of vegetables to this dish to increase its nutritional value. Frozen peas, corn, bell peppers, or spinach all work well and add a pop of color and nutrition.
Ensure Even Baking: Make sure the casserole is spread evenly in the baking dish for uniform cooking. If the dish is uneven, some parts may cook faster than others.
Let It Rest: After removing the casserole from the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to slice.

Instructions for Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft.
Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat and onions with the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the beef broth and mix until everything is well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly, pressing it down gently to ensure it’s compact.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Recipe Variations for Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly casserole.
Add Extra Spices: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture.
Swap the Cheese: Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for added flavor.

Storage & Serving Guide

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.

For serving, this casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a comforting and well-rounded meal.

FAQs About Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used, but it may require a longer cooking time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it before baking.
Can I use ground chicken or turkey?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option.
Can I add extra vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers enhances the flavor and nutrition.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for variety.

Conclusion

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a perfect go-to dish for busy nights when you want something filling, comforting, and delicious. The simple ingredients come together to create a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you keep it classic with beef and cheese or add your own twist with vegetables and seasonings, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Enjoy it for dinner tonight, and make extra for leftovers the next day!