Looking for a comforting and delicious one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner? Look no further than this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole. This creamy and cheesy casserole combines ground beef, tender veggies, and fluffy rice in a comforting base of mushroom and chicken soups, finished off with gooey melted cheddar cheese for a scrumptious touch. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad or steamed veggies, this family-friendly casserole is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Family-Friendly: Classic flavors that everyone loves, from the creamy soups to the melty cheddar topping.
– Easy and Efficient: A one-dish meal that’s simple to prepare and requires minimal cleanup.
– Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, this casserole can be assembled in advance or frozen for a convenient future meal.
Ingredients
– Ground Beef: Adds heartiness to the dish. Opt for lean ground beef or substitute with turkey or chicken.
– Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken Soup: Provide a rich, savory base. Cream of celery or onion can be used as substitutes.
– Sour Cream: Adds creamy tanginess. Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
– Cooked Rice: White rice is traditional; brown rice or cauliflower rice can be substituted.
– Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives a cheesy finish. Sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack can be used for flavor variations.
– Onion and Bell Pepper: Add crunch and sweetness. Red or yellow bell peppers can be used as alternatives.
– Garlic Powder: Enhances the flavor subtly. Fresh minced garlic can also be added for a stronger garlic taste.
How to Make Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
– Step 1: Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
– Step 2: Cook Beef and Vegetables: Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened. Drain excess fat.
– Step 3: Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked beef, soups, sour cream, cooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
– Step 4: Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
– Step 5: Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
– Step 6: Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Storage Options
To store the casserole, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. For reheating, warm individual servings in the microwave or heat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. To freeze, wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F to reheat.
Variations and Substitutions
– Southwest Twist: Add diced tomatoes with green chilies and black beans for a Southwestern flavor. Use Mexican cheese blend and fresh cilantro for garnish.
– Mushroom Lover’s Version: Include sliced mushrooms with the onions and bell pepper. Use cream of mushroom and celery soups for extra mushroom flavor.
– Low-Carb Option: Replace white rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
– Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives or diced mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetarian cream soups for a plant-based option.
What to Serve With Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
– Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette complements the casserole’s richness.
– Vegetable Sides: Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or carrots make a complete meal.
– Bread: Warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are great for mopping up the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
– How long can I store this casserole ? : Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
– Can I freeze this casserole ? : Yes, this casserole freezes well for up to three months.
– Can I use different types of cheese ? : Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties for varied flavors.
– Can I make this casserole vegetarian ? : Easily adapt the recipe by using plant-based substitutes for the meat ingredients.
After making this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole, you can expect a comforting and satisfying meal with creamy and cheesy flavors that the whole family will enjoy. The layers of ground beef, rice, cheese, and creamy soups create a harmonious blend that’s both filling and delicious, making it an ideal choice for a stress-free dinner or a cozy family gathering.
Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- garlic powder
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Add onion and bell pepper, then drain excess fat.
- Combine cooked beef, soups, sour cream, rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Pour mixture into the baking dish, spread evenly, and top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.