The Best Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Comfort food takes on a delightful twist with this hearty hamburger rice casserole that combines savory ground beef and fluffy rice in one satisfying dish.

Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, the casserole delivers a wholesome meal that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.

Each bite blends tender meat, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, creamy sauce that brings everything together.

The recipe creates a budget-friendly dinner that comes together quickly and feeds a hungry crowd.

Layers of seasoned ground beef nestled between rice create a mouthwatering main course that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheese adds a golden, melty topping that makes this casserole irresistible.

What Makes Hamburger Rice Casserole So Satisfying

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Delivers rich, hearty flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned soups to create a satisfying and filling dish that won't break the bank.
• Versatile Weeknight Dinner: Requires minimal prep work and can be easily customized with additional seasonings or vegetables to suit different taste preferences.

Ingredients for Classic Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: Flavorful meat that forms the base of the casserole.

• Uncooked Rice: Hearty grain that absorbs the delicious soup flavors.

• French Onion Soup, Beef Consomme: Rich and savory liquids that add depth to the dish.

• Butter Slices: Creamy ingredient that adds richness to the casserole.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking in the baking dish.

• Chives: Fresh herb that adds a light, oniony touch to the finished dish.

How to Assemble Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Heat the oven to a toasty 425°F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef

Grab a medium skillet and start browning the ground beef over medium heat.

Keep stirring and breaking up the meat until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, which takes about 8-10 minutes.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Create Initial Layers

Spread the perfectly cooked ground beef evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the uncooked rice over the beef, creating a delicious base layer.

Step 4: Add Liquid Magic

Pour the French onion soup and beef consomme over the rice and beef.

Gently stir everything together to ensure all ingredients get cozy and well-mixed.

Step 5: Top with Butter Goodness

Arrange butter slices across the top of the rice mixture, creating little pockets of rich, melty flavor.

Step 6: Bake and Cover

Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes, creating a steamy environment for the rice to cook perfectly.

Step 7: Finish Baking

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes.

You’re looking for rice that’s tender and fully cooked, with a slightly golden top.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped chives over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting hamburger rice casserole!

Easy Tricks for Better Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, lighter dish.
• Spread uncooked rice evenly over beef for consistent cooking and better moisture absorption throughout the casserole.
• Use aluminum foil for the first half of baking to trap steam and help rice cook perfectly without drying out.
• Place butter slices strategically across the top to enhance flavor and create a rich, moist texture in the final dish.
• Sprinkle chopped chives just before serving to add a bright, fresh note and elevate the casserole's presentation and taste.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, where it can be stored for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
• Warm refrigerated casserole at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even heating and preserve texture.

What Goes Great with Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Red Wine: Select a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, savory flavors of the ground beef and enhance the casserole's depth.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole and provide a fresh contrast.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers to introduce additional nutrients and a slightly caramelized texture that pairs beautifully with the casserole.
• Enjoy with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a hoppy amber ale or a malty brown ale that can stand up to the robust beef flavors and cut through the richness of the dish.

Mix-In Ideas for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version packed with umami flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free French onion soup and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Substitute beef consomme with low-sodium vegetable broth and choose reduced-sodium French onion soup to decrease salt content.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add diced bell peppers, swap beef for ground lamb, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs

• Is French onion soup necessary for this recipe?

Yes, it adds rich flavor and helps cook the rice. The soup provides moisture and depth to the casserole that water cannot replicate.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Just ensure you brown the meat completely before adding to the casserole.

• What should I do if I don't have beef consomme?

You can substitute beef broth or stock as an alternative. The goal is to provide liquid and additional savory flavor to help cook the rice and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?

The rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish again with foil to prevent burning while ensuring the rice continues cooking.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting hamburger rice casserole delivers a hearty embrace of Midwestern home cooking, blending ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese into one satisfying dish. Families will savor this nostalgic meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to dinner tables across America.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Grains:

• 2 cups (370 grams) long-grain white rice, uncooked

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 cans (10.5 ounces / 298 grams each) French onion soup
• 2 cans (10.5 ounces / 298 grams each) beef consomme
• 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 grams) unsalted butter, sliced into pats
• Chopped chives, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to a toasty 425°F and lightly coat a spacious 9×13-inch baking vessel with nonstick spray.
2. In a sizzling skillet, transform the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until no raw pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain away excess fat.
3. Create a foundation layer of the browned beef across the prepared baking dish, then cascade the uncooked rice evenly atop the meat.
4. Gently cascade the French onion soup and beef consomme over the layered ingredients, using a soft touch to intermingle the liquids without disturbing the existing layers.
5. Strategically place butter slices across the surface, ensuring uniform distribution for maximum flavor infusion.
6. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a protective dome that will trap moisture and promote even cooking. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil covering, exposing the developing dish to direct heat, and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until the rice achieves a perfectly tender consistency and absorbs all surrounding liquids.
8. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives across the surface for a vibrant finishing touch before presenting this comforting one-pan meal.

Notes

• Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to create a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
• For added nutrition, mix in diced vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers before baking to boost the meal’s vitamin content.
• Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help the rice absorb remaining liquid and become more fluffy and evenly cooked.
• Use low-sodium beef consommé and French onion soup to control salt intake and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg