Hamburger Rice Casserole
Hamburger Rice Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that brings comfort to the dinner table. It is easy to make and features ground beef, rice, creamy mushroom soup, and cheese—all baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to love Hamburger Rice Casserole. First, it is a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup for you. Second, it is a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike enjoy. Lastly, it’s a budget-friendly dish, packed with flavors and ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. It’s an excellent way to make a simple yet tasty meal for your family.
How to Make Hamburger Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2.2 ounces Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix
- 21 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups Minute Rice white rice
- 8 ounces Colby jack cheese
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix, cream of mushroom soup, sliced mushrooms, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Add the whole milk and sour cream to the mixture, then stir until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Fold in the Minute Rice and mix until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the Colby jack cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Hamburger Rice Casserole
Serve Hamburger Rice Casserole hot from the oven. You can dish it up on plates or let everyone serve themselves directly from the casserole dish. This dish goes well with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Hamburger Rice Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place the casserole back in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Hamburger Rice Casserole
- For added flavor, you can sauté onions and garlic with the ground beef.
- Make it spicy by adding some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix.
- If you prefer, you can use different types of cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella.
- Ensure that you fully cook the ground beef before mixing in the other ingredients to avoid any raw meat.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, such as peas or bell peppers. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of Minute Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts. Brown rice generally takes longer to cook.
2. Can I freeze Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before baking or after it is baked. Just make sure to let it cool, then wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
