The Ultimate Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe: Comfort Food Made Easy
I stumbled upon this hamburger rice casserole when I was desperately searching for a quick weeknight dinner that would satisfy my entire family. After making it countless times over the past year, I can confidently say it’s become our go-to comfort meal.
The combination of savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and perfectly cooked rice creates a hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. What I love most is how everything cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s earned a permanent spot in my weekly meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef – Choose 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor balance. Leaner meat can make the dish dry, while fattier cuts add richness.
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup – The secret to the casserole’s creamy texture. Don’t substitute with low-fat versions as they don’t provide the same richness.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice – Keep the juice for extra moisture and flavor. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a subtle smoky taste if you want to elevate the dish.
- 1/2 cup long grain white rice – Uncooked rice works perfectly here. Avoid instant rice as it becomes mushy during the cooking process.
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but pre-shredded works just fine. Sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend make excellent alternatives.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Season generously, as rice absorbs a lot of flavor.
Note: This recipe serves 4 people generously as a main course.
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace the cream of mushroom soup with coconut cream mixed with mushroom broth powder. Substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced bell peppers, onions, or frozen mixed vegetables during the browning stage. Spinach or kale can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Version: Mix in a packet of taco seasoning with the ground beef, or add diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, adding it during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
- Protein Swaps: Try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef. Each protein brings its own unique flavor profile to the dish.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large skillet with lid – Essential for browning meat and simmering the casserole
- Wooden spoon or spatula – Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring
- Can opener – For opening canned ingredients
- Measuring cups – To ensure accurate ingredient proportions
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – For transferring and broiling the final dish
- Cheese grater – If using fresh cheese blocks for better melting
How to Make Hamburger Rice Casserole
Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating your large skillet over medium-high heat without adding oil. Crumble the ground beef directly into the hot pan, breaking it apart with your wooden spoon. Cook the beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even browning and to prevent sticking. Once the meat is completely browned with no pink remaining, drain the excess grease by tilting the pan and carefully spooning out the fat.
Add the Remaining Ingredients
Return the drained beef to the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup, stirring well to coat all the meat. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, followed by the uncooked rice, mixing everything thoroughly. The mixture will look quite liquidy at this stage, which is exactly what you want for the rice to cook properly.
Simmer Until Rice is Tender
Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the bottom from burning, but don’t lift the lid too frequently as this releases steam needed for cooking the rice. The casserole is ready when the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, creating a creamy, cohesive mixture.
Add Cheese and Broil
Preheat your oven’s broiler while the casserole finishes cooking. Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the top, ensuring complete coverage. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
- I always cook my rice separately first when I have extra time, as it prevents any chance of undercooked grains and gives me better control over the final texture.
- Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef while browning creates an incredible depth of flavor that transforms this simple dish into something restaurant-worthy.
- I’ve learned that letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes after broiling helps the flavors meld together and makes serving much easier without everything falling apart.
- Seasoning each layer as you build the dish ensures every bite is flavorful – I add salt and pepper to the beef, then again after adding the soup and tomatoes.
- For extra richness, I sometimes add a tablespoon of butter to the mixture before adding the cheese, which creates an even creamier final result.
How to Serve Hamburger Rice Casserole
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Serve it alongside steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrition and color contrast. For presentation, use a large serving spoon to scoop portions directly from the casserole dish, ensuring each serving gets plenty of that golden, melted cheese on top. Garnish individual plates with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. This dish also works wonderfully as a potluck contribution, as it travels well and can be kept warm in a slow cooker.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving, making it easy to track your daily intake:
- Calories: 425 per serving
- Protein: 28 grams – Excellent source for muscle maintenance and satiety
- Carbohydrates: 28 grams – Provides steady energy from the rice and vegetables
- Fat: 21 grams – Includes healthy fats from the cheese and moderate amounts from the beef
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerator Storage: This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight, making leftovers even more delicious than the original meal.
Freezer Storage: You can freeze the completely cooled casserole for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. I recommend portioning it into individual servings before freezing for easy weeknight meals that can be thawed and reheated quickly.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Frozen portions should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the same methods.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This hamburger rice casserole combines convenience with incredible comfort food satisfaction in every bite.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as all ingredients meld together beautifully during cooking.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned goods makes this an economical choice that feeds a family without breaking the bank.
- Kid-Approved: The mild flavors and creamy texture make this a hit with picky eaters, while still providing substantial nutrition that parents can feel good about serving.
- Infinitely Customizable: The basic recipe serves as a blank canvas for your creativity, whether you want to add vegetables, change proteins, or experiment with different cheese varieties.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole reheats exceptionally well and actually tastes better the next day, making it ideal for batch cooking and weekly meal planning.
Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by heating your large skillet over medium-high heat without adding oil. Crumble the ground beef directly into the hot pan, breaking it apart with your wooden spoon. Cook the beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even browning and to prevent sticking. Once the meat is completely browned with no pink remaining, drain the excess grease by tilting the pan and carefully spooning out the fat.
- Return the drained beef to the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the cream of mushroom soup, stirring well to coat all the meat. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, followed by the uncooked rice, mixing everything thoroughly. The mixture will look quite liquidy at this stage, which is exactly what you want for the rice to cook properly.
- Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the bottom from burning, but don’t lift the lid too frequently as this releases steam needed for cooking the rice. The casserole is ready when the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, creating a creamy, cohesive mixture.
- Preheat your oven’s broiler while the casserole finishes cooking. Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the top, ensuring complete coverage. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Notes
- I always cook my rice separately first when I have extra time, as it prevents any chance of undercooked grains and gives me better control over the final texture.
- Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef while browning creates an incredible depth of flavor that transforms this simple dish into something restaurant-worthy.
- I’ve learned that letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes after broiling helps the flavors meld together and makes serving much easier without everything falling apart.
- Seasoning each layer as you build the dish ensures every bite is flavorful – I add salt and pepper to the beef, then again after adding the soup and tomatoes.
- For extra richness, I sometimes add a tablespoon of butter to the mixture before adding the cheese, which creates an even creamier final result.
