Hamburger Rice Casserole (Cheesy and Easy Perfect Dinner)

Hamburger rice casserole is a family favorite that combines hearty ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender rice in one delicious dish. Our cheesy and easy hamburger rice casserole is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something spectacular.

With its rich layers of flavor and easy one-pot preparation, you’ll find both comfort and convenience in every bite. So, let’s get cooking and transform your dinner into a delightful, cheesy adventure!

Are you looking for a similar recipe? Check out this Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe!

Hamburger Rice CasserolePin

How to Prepare Hamburger Rice Casserole

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the oven is ready by the time your casserole is assembled.
  2. Cook the Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once cooked, drain any excess grease, transfer the beef to a plate, and cover with foil to keep it warm.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onions, cooking them until softened (about 5 minutes). Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked rice, the remaining tablespoon of butter, and beef broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, covering the pot tightly.
  5. Cook the Rice: Let the rice cook for about 10 minutes. Then, add the mushrooms and continue cooking (refer to your rice package for exact times). Important: Do not stir the rice during this process.
  6. Combine Ingredients: After the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes. Then, stir in the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese.
  7. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  8. Bake: Cover the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Your Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is now ready to be served. Dish it out while it’s warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Perfect Results:

  • Rice Consistency: Check the packaging of your rice for the precise cooking time and liquid ratio to ensure perfectly cooked grains.
  • Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
  • Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers.
Hamburger Rice CasserolePin

Hamburger Rice Casserole

This hamburger rice casserole is a delectable fusion of savory beef, creamy cheese, and tender rice. It's a simple, comforting dish that's perfect for any family dinner. Combining the richness of cream of mushroom soup with classic seasonings and hearty ingredients, it creates an irresistibly creamy and satisfying meal that's sure to be a hit at your table.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. ground beef 85% lean
  • 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt/Pepper
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • ¾ cup onions diced
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic minced
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 ¼ cups uncooked white long grain rice
  • 8 oz. sliced button mushrooms
  • 10.5 oz. cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup milk of any kind
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Initial Preparation:
    One-Pot Method: This recipe is crafted for convenience, allowing you to cook all ingredients in a single pot before baking. Check the cooking instructions on your rice packaging for the correct amount of liquid (beef broth) and cooking duration.
    Alternative Rice Cooking: Optionally, you can cook the rice separately, omitting the beef broth from the recipe. In this case, prepare 3 + 3/4 cups of cooked rice to mix with the other ingredients.
  • Heat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Cook the Beef: Using a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning during the cooking process.
  • Drain and Set Aside Beef: Once browned, drain any excess grease from the beef, transfer it to a plate, and cover it with foil to keep it warm.
  • Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes until they soften. Then, add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Combine Broth, Butter, and Rice: Next, pour in the beef broth and add the remaining butter and uncooked rice. Stir everything together well.
  • Boil and Simmer: Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
  • Cook the Rice: Cover the pot tightly and let the rice cook for 10 minutes.
  • Add Mushrooms: Add the mushrooms to the pot, re-cover, and continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on the rice's cooking instructions. Remember not to stir the rice.
  • Let it Stand: After cooking, turn off the heat but keep the pot covered. Let it stand for 10 minutes. This allows any rice stuck at the bottom to release.
  • Combine with Other Ingredients: Reintroduce the cooked beef into the pot, along with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half the cheese. Stir everything to combine evenly.
  • Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
  • Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish and bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • Serve! 🙂

Storing Your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

After enjoying a comforting hamburger rice casserole meal, you might find yourself with leftovers. Good news! This casserole stores beautifully, ensuring you can savor its deliciousness for days. Here’s how to store it properly:

In the Refrigerator:

  1. Cool Down: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation inside the storage container, which could make the rice soggy.
  2. Transfer to a Container: Place the leftover casserole in an airtight container. Consider dividing it into smaller portions if you’ve made a large batch. This not only saves space but also makes reheating more manageable.
  3. Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the casserole will last for 3 to 4 days.

In the Freezer:

  1. Prep for Freezing: If you plan to freeze the casserole, it’s best to do so in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
  2. Label and Date: Always label your container with the date. This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember, the sooner you use it, the better it will taste.
  3. Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until it’s hot throughout. If the casserole seems dry after thawing, you can stir in a little milk or beef broth before reheating to bring back its creamy texture.

A Note on Safety:

Always remember that the key to safely storing and reheating leftovers is to not leave the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours. By following these simple storage tips, you can enjoy your hamburger rice casserole whenever the craving hits, with all its flavors and textures beautifully preserved.


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