If you're looking for a delicious, hearty meal that's easy to prepare and loved by the whole family, look no further than this Hamburger Rice Casserole. Packed with rich flavors from ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, cheese, and rice, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Read on to discover how to make this tasty Hamburger Rice Casserole from scratch, along with tips for ingredient substitutions, cooking instructions, and presentation ideas that will wow your guests.
What is Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Hamburger Rice Casserole is a classic American dish that's a perfect blend of beef, rice, and a creamy sauce, all baked together with gooey melted cheese on top. It's an affordable meal that combines basic pantry ingredients into something truly special. The dish is reminiscent of old-fashioned casseroles that are often passed down through generations, making it both nostalgic and delicious.
This dish is also incredibly versatile, as you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you're feeding picky eaters, a large family, or just want something warm and comforting after a long day, Hamburger Rice Casserole is a fantastic choice.
Ingredients List for Hamburger Rice Casserole
- 1 pound lean ground beef (preferably 90-10% blend): Lean beef provides the savory base for this casserole. The lower fat content keeps the dish from being too greasy, yet it's still juicy and flavorful.
- 2.2 ounces Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix: This soup mix adds a burst of onion flavor along with savory beef notes, perfectly complementing the ground beef and broth.
- 21 ounces cream of mushroom soup: This rich, creamy soup brings the whole dish together, offering a smooth texture and umami flavor that enhances the beef and rice.
- 4 ounces sliced mushrooms, drained: Mushrooms add an earthy depth to the casserole, providing both texture and flavor.
- 2 cups beef broth: The broth adds moisture and infuses the rice with a deep beefy flavor, making every bite flavorful.
- ¾ cup whole milk: Milk helps create a creamier base for the casserole, balancing the richness of the broth and soup.
- ¾ cup sour cream: Sour cream adds tanginess, cutting through the richness and bringing balance to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: A small but essential amount to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Just the right amount of spice to complement the other flavors without overpowering them.
- 2 cups Minute Rice (white rice): Instant rice works well in this dish, soaking up the beefy, creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
- 8 ounces Colby jack cheese, shredded: A blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses creates a melty, gooey topping that adds richness to every bite.
- 1½ tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish): Parsley adds a touch of color and freshness, brightening up the rich, hearty flavors of the casserole.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Hamburger Rice Casserole is how easily it can be adapted. Here are some substitution ideas if you're missing an ingredient or want to switch things up:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the ground beef for a leaner option like ground turkey or chicken. These alternatives still provide plenty of protein and flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using a plant-based ground meat alternative and substituting vegetable broth for beef broth. Add extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for more substance.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for a gluten-free condensed cream of mushroom soup and check that your soup mix is gluten-free.
- Different Cheeses: While Colby jack is a great choice for its melty texture and mild flavor, you can also use cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of heat.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier version, swap out the white rice for brown rice. Just note that you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, mix in some frozen peas, carrots, or green beans before baking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
This Hamburger Rice Casserole is as easy to make as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps to get it on the table in no time.

How to Cook Hamburger Rice Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure easy removal of the casserole once cooked.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, milk, and sour cream until smooth and well-combined.
- Assemble the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, spread the cooked ground beef evenly across the bottom. Layer the drained sliced mushrooms on top. Pour the soup mixture over the beef and mushrooms.
- Add the rice: Stir in the Minute Rice, ensuring it is evenly distributed and fully submerged in the liquid mixture.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Colby jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the casserole is fully heated through.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and the flavors to meld together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Rice: Be careful not to overcook the rice before adding it to the casserole. Using Minute Rice helps with this, but always make sure the liquid-to-rice ratio is correct to avoid a mushy consistency.
- Using too much cheese: While it's tempting to add extra cheese, too much can make the casserole greasy and overpower the other flavors. Stick to the recommended amount for the best balance.
- Skipping the foil: Don't forget to cover the casserole with foil for the first half of the baking time. This step helps keep the moisture in and prevents the top layer of cheese from over-browning before the rest of the casserole is fully cooked.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Hamburger Rice Casserole
Hamburger Rice Casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with some light side dishes. Serve it with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or a slice of garlic bread to complement the rich flavors of the casserole. It’s perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or as leftovers the next day.
Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Rice Casserole
For a simple, homey presentation, serve the casserole directly from the baking dish, allowing your guests to scoop out their desired portions. For a more polished look, you can portion out the casserole into individual serving dishes, then sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve alongside a bright green salad or roasted vegetables to make the plate look more vibrant.
Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge until ready to bake. Just be sure to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Freezing: Hamburger Rice Casserole freezes well. Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned? A: Yes! Fresh mushrooms can be sautéed in a little butter or olive oil before adding them to the casserole.
Q: Can I use long-grain rice instead of Minute Rice? A: You can, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted. Long-grain rice typically takes longer to cook and may require more liquid.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Absolutely. You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking, or freeze it for future use.
Q: How do I prevent the casserole from drying out? A: Make sure the casserole is properly covered with foil during the first part of the baking process, and don’t skimp on the liquids to keep the rice moist and tender.
Conclusion
This Hamburger Rice Casserole is a savory, satisfying dish that's easy to make and guaranteed to please. With its combination of hearty ground beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, it's the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you're serving it to family or friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don't forget to customize it to your liking and make it your own!
Ready to give this recipe a try? Gather your ingredients and start cooking today!
PrintHamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
This Hamburger Rice Casserole combines savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and fluffy white rice. Topped with melted Colby jack cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is the perfect comfort food dish. Ideal for busy weeknights, it's a family favorite that packs flavor with minimal effort. Keywords: hamburger rice casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy rice bake, easy casserole recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90-10% blend)
- 2.2 ounces Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix
- 21 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 4 ounces sliced mushrooms, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups Minute Rice white rice
- 8 ounces Colby jack cheese, shredded
- 1½ tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix, cream of mushroom soup, sliced mushrooms, beef broth, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
- Add the rice and stir to combine.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded Colby jack cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder or sautéed onions to the ground beef.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, then baked when ready.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1120mg
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