There’s something magical about a cozy casserole bubbling away in the oven, filling the kitchen with tantalizing aromas that beckon you to come closer. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with fluffy rice, enveloped in a creamy sauce that dances on your taste buds. fluffy buttery rolls This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is not just a dish—it’s a warm hug served in a bowl, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need comfort food without the fuss. For more inspiration, check out this ground beef recipes recipe.
Growing up, my family had this one go-to meal that brought everyone together, laughter included. The moment I heard the clatter of pots and pans, I knew good things were coming. Casseroles were our culinary equivalent of a superhero cape—easy to whip up, endlessly customizable, and always delicious! So grab your apron and prepare to dive into this delightful dish that’s sure to become your new family favorite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole takes less than an hour from prep to plate, making dinner stress-free.
- The savory flavors combine perfectly for a hearty meal everyone will love.
- Its colorful presentation makes it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on what you have in your pantry!
Ingredients for Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
For more inspiration, check out this rice and sausage recipes recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option; it provides great flavor and texture.
Long Grain White Rice: Use uncooked long grain rice for perfect fluffiness; it absorbs all those tasty juices.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; be sure to chop it finely for even cooking.
Bell Pepper: Opt for any color bell pepper you like; it adds crunch and vibrant color.
Canned Tomato Soup: This serves as the base of your sauce, providing richness and creaminess.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is essential for that gooey topping we all crave; sprinkle generously!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a large baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks—not even the memories!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender—around 5-7 minutes should do. Make sure to drain any excess fat because we want flavor without swimming!
Step 3: Mix It Up
In a separate bowl, combine uncooked rice with canned tomato soup. Add some salt and pepper for seasoning. Don’t forget—this mixture will soak up all that meaty goodness while baking!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour your browned beef mixture into the bowl with the rice and tomato soup mix. Stir everything together until well combined—it should look like a beautiful mess at this point!
Step 5: Bake Away
Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (trust me, you don’t want it drying out) and bake in that preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Final Bake
After half an hour, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Pop it back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top—a perfect cheeseburger dream come true!
Now transfer your masterpiece onto plates or serve straight from the baking dish if you’re feeling casual! Enjoy every cheesy bite of this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole that’s not only easy but also packed with flavor!
You Must Know
- This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is not just a dish; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl.
- Packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes for fantastic leftovers.
- Plus, the colorful mix of ingredients makes it visually delightful on any dining table!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the hamburger meat while you chop your veggies. Once the meat is cooked, layer everything in a baking dish and let the oven do its magic. This sequence ensures your casserole is rich in flavor and perfectly cooked.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or even plant-based alternatives. Toss in leftover vegetables or sprinkle some cheese on top before baking for an extra gooey surprise. The customization options are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or bake it at 350 degrees until warmed through, ensuring that deliciousness stays intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfecting your Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole, remember to season your meat well before cooking; it really enhances flavors.
- Use uncooked rice for even texture—overcooked rice can become mushy.
- Lastly, cover the dish with foil during baking to keep moisture locked in.
Sometimes, I whip up this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole when friends come over for game night. It never fails to impress them—and my secret ingredient? A dash of humor sprinkled throughout the cooking process!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
To make Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole, you will need ground beef, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and shredded cheese. Optional ingredients include garlic, corn, and spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor. This dish is versatile, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables or seasonings to create a unique twist on the classic recipe. chocolate chip cookie cake The combination of these ingredients results in a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
How long does it take to cook Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
The total time for preparing and cooking Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is around 45 minutes. This includes approximately 10-15 minutes for preparation and about 30 minutes of baking time in the oven. It’s a quick and easy recipe that fits well into busy weeknight dinners. Just ensure that the rice is tender and fully cooked before serving. This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated for a convenient meal option.
Can I make Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole in advance! Simply assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. When you’re ready to serve, allow some extra baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. Alternatively, you can freeze it before baking. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.
What are some variations for Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
There are plenty of ways to customize Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole! You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adding different vegetables like spinach or zucchini can enhance its nutritional value. For spice lovers, try adding jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. instant pot chicken parmesan Using various types of cheese can also change the flavor profile significantly. These variations can make this dish even more enjoyable while keeping it simple and delicious.
Conclusion for Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole :
Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a delightful dish that combines convenience with taste. With simple ingredients like ground beef and rice, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit your family’s preferences. delicious pesto pinwheels Whether you choose to add vegetables or switch up the proteins, this casserole remains a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with flavors while relishing this easy-to-make dish that everyone will love!
Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Experience the comforting flavors of Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole, a quick and delicious dish that combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly meal is customizable with your favorite veggies and spices. In just about 45 minutes, you can serve a hearty casserole that’s sure to delight everyone at the table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) tomato soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and bell pepper for about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix uncooked rice with tomato soup; season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the browned meat mixture with the rice mixture in a large bowl until well mixed.
- Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For a lighter option, swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. Feel free to add leftover vegetables or spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor! For meal prep, assemble ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
