Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a timeless comfort food that brings together simple pantry ingredients into one warm, satisfying dish. With seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a creamy, savory sauce, this casserole is the kind of meal that feels familiar, filling, and dependable. It is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you need a no-fuss recipe that everyone will enjoy.
What makes this casserole especially appealing is how easy it is to prepare. There is no complicated layering or advanced technique involved, yet the result is rich, cozy, and full of flavor. I tested this recipe using both freshly cooked and leftover rice, and both worked beautifully. It is also very forgiving, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels. If you are looking for a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal, this hamburger rice casserole is one you will want to keep handy.
Print
Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole – Simple, Hearty, and Comforting
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A classic, budget-friendly comfort casserole made with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a creamy, savory sauce baked until hot and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and onion; cook until beef is browned and onion is soft.
- Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika; cook 30 seconds.
- In a bowl, mix uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Stir cooked beef mixture into the rice mixture.
- Pour everything into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and rice is tender.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey as a lighter option.
- Add peas or corn for extra vegetables.
- Make sure the dish is well covered while baking to cook the rice properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef provides hearty, savory flavor and makes the casserole filling and satisfying.
White rice
White rice absorbs the sauce as it bakes, becoming tender and flavorful.
Onion
Onion adds savory depth and mild sweetness to the beef mixture.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
Cream of mushroom soup
Cream of mushroom soup creates a creamy, comforting base and binds the casserole together.
Beef broth
Beef broth adds moisture and deepens the savory flavor of the rice.
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese adds richness and melts beautifully over the casserole.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used for cooking the beef and aromatics.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors and should be adjusted to taste.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and balance.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180°C and lightly grease a baking dish. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Stir until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a baking time of 55 to 60 minutes. Total time required is roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover hamburger rice casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Add a small splash of broth if the casserole seems dry when reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is very adaptable. For extra flavor, a small amount of Worcestershire sauce can be added to the beef mixture. If you enjoy vegetables, peas, carrots, or green beans can be mixed in before baking.
You can also change the cheese. Monterey Jack or Colby Jack work well if you prefer a milder flavor. For a slightly lighter version, ground turkey can replace ground beef with similar results.
If you want a crisp topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese before the final bake. These simple adjustments allow you to customize the casserole while keeping its comforting, classic appeal.
FAQs
Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?
Yes, reduce the liquid and baking time accordingly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead and bake when ready.
Can I freeze hamburger rice casserole?
Yes, freeze fully cooled portions for up to two months.
What type of rice works best?
White long-grain rice works best for even cooking.
Is this dish very creamy?
It is creamy but balanced by beef and rice.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, frozen or canned vegetables work well.
How do I know the rice is done?
The rice should be tender and the liquid absorbed.
Can I use a different soup?
Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery can be used.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and familiar.
What should I serve with this casserole?
A simple salad or steamed vegetables pair well.
Conclusion
Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly meal that delivers hearty flavor with minimal effort. With tender rice, savory beef, and a creamy, cheesy finish, it is the kind of recipe that feels like home. Simple to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this casserole is a dependable classic that deserves a regular place on your dinner table.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!