Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for simple, hearty meals that come together quickly but still feel satisfying. Enter the Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole – a family favorite that’s as cozy as it is practical. This recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation, especially on those busy weeknights when you need something amazing without much effort.

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Rice Casserole

Let me tell you, this casserole has saved me countless times when I needed a no-fuss dinner that everyone would actually eat (and enjoy!).

• Budget-Friendly: It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
• Quick Prep Time: You’ll have it ready for the oven in no time.
• One Dish Wonder: Less cleanup is always a win in my book.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or what you have in the fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this tasty casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown, your choice)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little extra flavor)

Pro tip: If you want to sneak in extra veggies, this dish pairs well with chopped zucchini, carrots, or even peas. I’ve done it, and no one complained!

How to Make Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Trust me, you’ll be glad you prepped it before things get messy.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, ground beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, ½ cup of cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with more shredded cheddar cheese – don’t be shy, a cheesy top layer is the best part!

Step 5: Bake

Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted to golden perfection. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

This hamburger rice casserole is like a warm hug in a dish. It’s comforting, filling, and full of simple flavors that just work. I’ve found that the creamy soups create a luscious base that pairs perfectly with the savory beef and rice. Plus, the cheese on top? Absolutely amazing.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a meal on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, serve it with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies. Garlic bread or dinner rolls also make a great addition – you can’t go wrong with a little extra carb action.

Variations to Try

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Make It Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Go Tex-Mex: Swap one of the soups for a can of enchilada sauce and add some taco seasoning.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: A lighter alternative that still tastes great.
• Add Veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or peas blend seamlessly into this dish.

Leftovers and Storage

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole reheats beautifully.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: This dish freezes well, too. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, pop it in the microwave or cover it with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Personal Notes

I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish. It was one of those nights when I had no clue what to cook, and I just threw together what I had on hand. My family’s reaction was priceless – plates were scraped clean, and they all went back for seconds. Now, it’s a regular request in our house, and I’m more than happy to oblige.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a no-fail, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Give it a try – I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite in your home, too.

Let me know if you make it! I’d love to hear how you customize it to make it your own. Happy cooking!