Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. With ground beef, tender veggies, and fluffy rice mixed in a creamy base of mushroom and chicken soups, it’s topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese for a delicious finish. Enjoy this family-friendly casserole on its own or serve it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of color and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Family-Friendly: Simple, classic flavors that everyone loves, from the creamy soups to the melty cheddar topping.
Easy and Efficient: A one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time or frozen for a convenient dinner later.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: Ground beef adds heartiness to this casserole. Opt for lean ground beef to minimize grease, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken Soup: These creamy soups add a rich, savory base that makes the casserole wonderfully comforting. Substitute with cream of celery or cream of onion soup if desired.

Sour Cream: Sour cream gives the casserole a creamy, tangy layer that enhances flavor and prevents the dish from drying out. For a lighter option, substitute with Greek yogurt.

Cooked Rice: White rice is the classic choice, but you can substitute with brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar on top gives this casserole a gooey, cheesy finish. For more flavor, try sharp cheddar or a blend like Monterey Jack.

Onion and Bell Pepper: These veggies add a bit of crunch, sweetness, and color. You can substitute with red or yellow bell pepper for a slightly different flavor.

Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder adds subtle depth. For a stronger garlic flavor, you can add fresh minced garlic when cooking the beef.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Beef and Vegetables

In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned.
Add 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped green bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until softened.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
The cooked beef and vegetable mixture
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups cooked rice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the combined mixture into the greased baking dish.
Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh flavor and pop of color.
Serve the casserole hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the casserole.
Vegetable Sides: Serve with roasted or steamed veggies, like broccoli, green beans, or carrots, for a complete meal.
Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread or a soft dinner roll is great for scooping up every last bit.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the entire dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.

Variations:

Southwest Twist

Add 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained) and a can of black beans for a Southwest flavor. Use a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for garnish.

Mushroom Lover’s Version

Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onions and bell pepper for extra earthy flavor. You can use both cream of mushroom and cream of celery soup for an extra punch of savory goodness.

Low-Carb Option

Replace the white rice with cauliflower rice. This lowers the carb count and adds more vegetables to the dish. Be sure to cook the cauliflower rice before adding it to avoid excess moisture.

Vegetarian Version

Substitute ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or a mix of diced mushrooms and zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly option. You can also use vegetarian cream soups to keep it fully plant-based.

Conclusion:

This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a cozy, filling dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Its simple ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned casserole that’s both comforting and satisfying. Enjoy this recipe for busy weeknights, or make it ahead for a stress-free dinner.