Easy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: The Ultimate One-Pan Family Dinner
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Discover your new go-to weeknight hero with this incredibly easy and delicious Hamburger Rice Casserole! This recipe is a true family favorite, delivering hearty comfort and satisfying flavors with minimal effort. Imagine tender ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, rich cream of mushroom soup, savory diced tomatoes, and a generous blanket of melted cheese, all seasoned to perfection in one single skillet. It’s the ultimate answer to busy evenings when you crave a wholesome, satisfying meal without a pile of dishes.
This cheesy ground beef casserole isn’t just simple to make; it’s a complete meal in itself, meaning fewer pots and pans to clean up. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when time is precious, yet you still want to serve something homemade and delicious. Enjoy it piping hot as is, or complement its rich flavors with a crisp side salad for a touch of freshness. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this hearty meal comes together and how eagerly your family will ask for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
This isn’t just another casserole recipe; it’s a game-changer for your dinner rotation. Here’s why this Hamburger Rice Casserole will become a staple in your home:
- Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Say goodbye to multiple pots and endless scrubbing! Everything cooks in a single skillet, from browning the beef to simmering the rice and melting the cheese.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common, inexpensive ingredients, this recipe stretches your dollar while still delivering maximum flavor and satiety.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of savory ground beef, creamy soup, tender rice, and gooey cheese creates a dish that feels like a warm hug.
- Kid-Friendly Flavors: The mild, cheesy, and savory taste appeals to even the pickiest eaters, making dinner time a breeze.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different vegetables, seasonings, or types of meat to suit your family’s preferences.
- Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep and a relatively short cook time, you can have a delicious homemade meal on the table in under an hour.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers store beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for lunch the next day or a quick reheat dinner.
Ingredients for Hamburger Rice Casserole
This flavorful and satisfying casserole relies on a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. You likely have most of these staples in your pantry right now! Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:
- Protein: We recommend using 1 pound of lean ground beef for a less greasy outcome and robust flavor. However, for a lighter alternative, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent choices that cook similarly.
- Soup: A 10 oz can of cream of mushroom soup is essential. It provides a creamy base and rich umami flavor that perfectly binds the casserole together. Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup can also be used for a slightly different, but equally delicious, profile.
- Tomatoes: One 14 oz can of diced tomatoes adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the beef and soup. Don’t drain them; the liquid contributes to the rice’s cooking. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add a subtle smoky depth.
- Rice: For this recipe, ½ cup of long grain uncooked white rice is ideal. It cooks evenly and achieves a tender texture within the casserole. Jasmine rice is another great option. See our tips below regarding other rice types.
- Liquid: You will need ½ cup of water to ensure the rice cooks properly and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the other ingredients. You can also use beef broth for an even richer flavor.
- Cheese: ½ to ¾ cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese or cheddar cheese is sprinkled over the top for that irresistible gooey, melty finish. You can adjust the amount to your preference or even mix in other shreddable cheeses like Monterey Jack.
- Seasoning: A simple yet effective blend of ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon oregano brings all the flavors to life. Feel free to adjust these to your taste or add a pinch of chili powder for a slight kick.
How to Make Hamburger Rice Casserole
Creating this delicious one-pan casserole is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for a hearty and satisfying meal:
1. Brown the Ground Beef: Begin by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef (or chosen protein). Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the beef into smaller crumbles. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s completely browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Ensuring the beef is thoroughly cooked is key to flavor and texture.
2. Drain Excess Grease: Once the ground beef is cooked, it’s important to remove any excess grease. This prevents the casserole from becoming oily. Carefully tilt the skillet and use a strainer or spoon to scoop out and discard any accumulated fat. You want just enough fat left to coat the pan and add flavor, but not so much that it makes the dish greasy.
3. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low. To the browned ground beef in the skillet, add the can of cream of mushroom soup, the undrained can of diced tomatoes, the uncooked long-grain white rice, the water (or beef broth), and all the seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano). Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid mixture.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid. Allow the casserole to simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. It’s crucial to stir occasionally (every 5-7 minutes) to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking. If the rice isn’t quite tender after 20 minutes, add a splash more water or broth, re-cover, and continue to simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Melt the Cheese: Once the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack or cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Replace the lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. The residual heat from the casserole will perfectly melt the cheese, creating a wonderfully gooey and appetizing layer. Once the cheese is bubbly and melted, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This easy hamburger rice casserole makes fantastic leftovers, perfect for a quick lunch or another busy dinner. Proper storage ensures it stays delicious and safe to eat.
Storing in the Fridge:
Once the casserole has cooled completely to room temperature (this is important to prevent condensation and bacterial growth), scoop the leftovers into an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave: For individual servings, transfer the casserole to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly warmed. You might want to add a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
- Stovetop: For larger portions, transfer the casserole back into a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth, cover, and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Oven: If you prefer to reheat a whole pan, cover it with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot in the center.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Hamburger Rice Casserole
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few tips and tricks can elevate your casserole from good to absolutely outstanding:
Choosing the Right Meat:
I highly recommend using lean ground beef for this quick dinner. It provides excellent flavor without too much excess grease, which can make the casserole heavy. However, if you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or ground chicken are also fantastic options. Just be sure to break them up well as they cook and drain any fat if necessary. For a bolder flavor, consider a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
More Delicious Add-ins for the Meat Mixture:
This casserole is a blank canvas for your favorite additions! Elevate the nutritional value and flavor with these ideas:
- Vegetables: Stir in a cup of frozen corn or a can of drained corn for a touch of sweetness and color. Sautéed chopped bell peppers (any color), diced onions, or even mushrooms can be added with the ground beef for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Legumes: A can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans can add a fantastic texture, protein boost, and a more “chili-like” flavor profile.
- Spice: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of taco seasoning with the other spices.
The Best Rice to Use:
For optimal results in this easy casserole, I strongly suggest using a type of white rice. Long grain white rice or jasmine rice work wonderfully as they cook relatively quickly and achieve a tender, fluffy consistency. It’s important to use *uncooked* rice, as pre-cooked or instant rice will require different liquid ratios and cooking times. I would generally not suggest using brown rice in this specific recipe, as it needs a significantly longer cooking time and more liquid, which could lead to an overcooked casserole or mushy ingredients before the brown rice is tender.
Preventing Mushy Rice:
To avoid mushy rice, ensure you’re using the correct water-to-rice ratio as specified and keep the heat on low during the simmering stage. A tight-fitting lid is crucial to trap steam and allow the rice to cook evenly. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as this releases steam and prolongs cooking time.
For Extra Creaminess:
If you desire an even creamier casserole, you can stir in about ¼ cup of sour cream or cream cheese (softened) just before adding the shredded cheese on top. This adds a lovely tang and extra richness.
Customize Your Cheese:
While Colby Jack and cheddar are classic choices, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can offer different flavor dimensions.
More Delicious Beef Recipes to Try
If you loved this comforting hamburger and rice dish, you’re in luck! Here are more fantastic beef recipes that are perfect for family dinners and guaranteed to satisfy:
- Beefy Potato Skillet: A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender beef and potatoes.
- One Pot Taco Soup: All the flavors of your favorite tacos in a warm, comforting soup, made effortlessly in one pot.
- Doritos Taco Pasta Salad: A fun, crunchy, and savory pasta salad that’s perfect for potlucks or a light dinner.
- 3 Ingredient Taco Mac: An incredibly simple and quick pasta dish with taco-inspired flavors that comes together in minutes.
Hamburger Rice Casserole
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Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 10 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup long grain uncooked white rice
- ½ cup water (or beef broth)
- ¾ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (or cheddar)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- To a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break the beef up with a spoon and cook until it is fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan to ensure a lighter casserole.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, the undrained can of diced tomatoes, the uncooked rice, water (or beef broth), and all the seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano). Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally (every 5-7 minutes). Continue to cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If the rice is still firm, add a small splash more liquid and continue to simmer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover with the lid again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese until it’s gooey and bubbly. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Rice Casserole
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time:
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
While technically possible, brown rice has a much longer cooking time and requires more liquid than white rice. Using it in this recipe as written would likely result in undercooked rice or an overcooked, mushy casserole. For best results, stick to long-grain white rice or jasmine rice. If you insist on brown rice, you would need to adjust the liquid amount and cooking time significantly, and it might be better to cook the brown rice separately first.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
You can definitely do some prep work in advance! You can brown the ground beef and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply combine it with the other ingredients as directed. Assembling the entire casserole and baking it later might lead to mushy rice, so it’s best to cook the rice fresh when you’re ready to eat.
What if my casserole is too dry?
If your casserole seems too dry during cooking or reheating, it likely needs more liquid. Add a small amount (¼ to ½ cup) of water or beef broth, stir gently, and continue to simmer until the desired consistency is reached. Remember that rice continues to absorb liquid as it cools, so it might thicken up after sitting.
Can I freeze hamburger rice casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Once completely cooled, transfer individual or family-sized portions into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the microwave or oven as described in the storage section, adding a splash of liquid if needed.
Quick Links for Making Dinner Easy
Looking for more ways to simplify your meal planning and cooking? Check out these helpful resources:
- Family meal plans to take the guesswork out of dinner.
- Essential kitchen tools and more to equip your cooking space.
- The best cookbook for family dinner recipes for endless inspiration.
- FREE budget meal plan to help you save money without sacrificing flavor.
- Cooking videos to watch for visual guides and tips.
We hope this Easy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole becomes a beloved dish in your home, bringing comfort and ease to your busy weeknights. If you give this recipe a try, make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you liked the recipes!