Name: Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil Adds richness and helps brown the ground beef.; 1 ½ pounds ground beef Opt for 90% lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty but not overly greasy.; ½ sweet onion, chopped Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.; 3 garlic cloves, minced Adds aromatic depth to the casserole.; 2 ½ cups Jasmine or other long-grain white rice, uncooked The rice cooks directly in the casserole, soaking up all the delicious flavors.; 2 cans (10.5 oz) French onion soup Enhances the casserole with rich onion flavor.; 2 cans (10.5 oz) beef consommé or beef broth Adds depth and makes the dish extra savory.; ⅓ cup water Helps the rice cook to perfection.; ¾ cup unsalted butter, sliced Melts into the casserole, creating a creamy texture.; Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish Optional but adds a pop of color and freshness.

When you’re in need of a simple, hearty, and family-approved dinner, this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe is your go-to option. It’s a classic comfort dish that combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and rich flavors of French onion soup. Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for a delicious weeknight meal, this casserole will become a staple in your home. Best of all, the recipe is customizable, quick to prepare, and ideal for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Solution
If you’re short on time but still want to serve a wholesome meal, this casserole recipe is a lifesaver. The preparation involves basic pantry staples and minimal hands-on time, making it a great choice for hectic weeknights.

Ideal for Families and Meal Prep
This casserole is a family-friendly dish that can easily serve multiple people. Its hearty and filling nature makes it perfect for kids and adults alike. The recipe is also great for meal prep, allowing you to make it ahead and reheat throughout the week.

Ingredients for Hamburger Rice Casserole

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make this flavorful casserole. You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry!

1 tablespoon olive oil
Adds richness and helps brown the ground beef.
1 ½ pounds ground beef
Opt for 90% lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty but not overly greasy.
½ sweet onion, chopped
Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
3 garlic cloves, minced
Adds aromatic depth to the casserole.
2 ½ cups Jasmine or other long-grain white rice, uncooked
The rice cooks directly in the casserole, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
2 cans (10.5 oz) French onion soup
Enhances the casserole with rich onion flavor.
2 cans (10.5 oz) beef consommé or beef broth
Adds depth and makes the dish extra savory.
⅓ cup water
Helps the rice cook to perfection.
¾ cup unsalted butter, sliced
Melts into the casserole, creating a creamy texture.
Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Optional but adds a pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Casserole Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. Set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook the beef mixture, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. This process takes about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have softened.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Casserole Dish
Transfer the cooked ground beef mixture to your prepared casserole dish. Add the uncooked rice, French onion soup, beef consommé, and water to the dish. Stir everything together to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Top with Butter and Bake
Place slices of unsalted butter evenly on top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Uncover and Continue Baking
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done, fluff the rice with a fork. For added flavor and color, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Hamburger Rice Casserole

Perfectly Cooked Rice
Ensure the rice absorbs all the flavors by using long-grain rice, like Jasmine or Basmati. If the rice is still a bit firm after baking, cover the dish again and let it rest for a few minutes. The steam will help finish cooking the rice.

Adjusting Seasonings
Feel free to tweak the flavors to suit your family’s taste. You can add a dash of black pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If you prefer a more robust flavor, a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can elevate the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking or Undercooking the Rice
One common mistake is overbaking or underbaking the casserole. Be sure to check the rice for doneness at the 30-minute mark. If it’s still a little undercooked, add a splash of water and cover the casserole before baking a bit longer.

Choosing the Right Ground Beef
Using ground beef that is too fatty can result in a greasy casserole. Opt for 90% lean ground beef to keep the dish flavorful without excess fat.

Equipment You’ll Need

To make this easy hamburger rice casserole recipe, you will need:

A large skillet for browning the beef
A 9×13-inch casserole dish
Aluminum foil for covering the dish
Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
A spatula for breaking up the beef
A fork for fluffing the rice once baked

Hamburger Rice Casserole Variations

Add Vegetables
Feel free to incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots into the casserole for added nutrients and flavor. Simply sauté them along with the ground beef.

Swap the Meat
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you want a lighter option. For a more savory twist, you could even try ground lamb.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This casserole stores beautifully, making it great for leftovers. Simply let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating Tips
To reheat, place a portion in the microwave and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

For a complete meal, serve this hamburger rice casserole with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For extra freshness, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to account for the cold dish.

What Can I Use Instead of Jasmine Rice?
You can substitute other long-grain rice like Basmati or even brown rice. However, note that brown rice may require additional liquid and a longer cooking time.

Conclusion

This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe is the perfect comfort food to add to your weeknight dinner rotation. Its rich, savory flavors and simple preparation make it a dish the whole family will love. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more delicious, easy-to-make meals!

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe