The Cozy Hamburger and Rice Casserole Recipe Every Family Loves

Crafting a delightful hamburger and rice casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of savory ground beef mingle with fluffy rice and melted cheese.

Weeknight meals demand simplicity without sacrificing flavor.

Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly in this classic one-dish wonder.

Busy home cooks appreciate meals that satisfy hunger and warm the soul.

Families gather around, eager to enjoy each delicious, cheesy bite.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger and Rice Casserole

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or lamb work perfectly as substitutes for beef in this casserole recipe.

• Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the casserole?

No, the uncooked rice will absorb the liquid from the French onion soup and beef consomme while baking, creating a tender and flavorful dish.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! This casserole uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned soups, making it an economical meal for families.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it, then bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Why Hamburger and Rice Casserole Is a Comfort Food Classic

• Speedy Weeknight Champion: This hamburger and rice casserole delivers a complete meal with minimal preparation, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying dinner solution.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single baking dish that combines protein, grains, and rich flavors in one simple cooking process.
• Pantry-Friendly Comfort: Leverages common ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned soups, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks with standard kitchen staples.
• Customizable Family Feast: Easily adaptable with optional garnishes like chives, allowing everyone to personalize their serving while enjoying a hearty, filling meal.

Essential Ingredients for Hamburger and Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.

• Long Grain White Rice: The starchy foundation that absorbs the rich flavor of the soups and creates a satisfying texture.

• French Onion Soup, Beef Consomme: These savory liquid ingredients provide deep, complex flavor and moisture to the casserole.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, slightly crispy top layer.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole does not stick to the baking dish.
• Chives: An optional fresh herb that adds a mild onion flavor and bright green color as a garnish.

Preparation Steps for Hamburger and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425F (220C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook and break up the meat until it’s completely brown and no pink remains, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain away any excess grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Create the Base Layer

Spread the cooked beef evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the uncooked rice right on top of the beef, creating a delicious foundation for your casserole.

Step 4: Add Liquid Magic

• French onion soup
• Beef consomme

Gently stir everything together so the rice can soak up all those incredible flavors.

Step 5: Dot with Butter

Scatter butter slices across the top of the casserole, ensuring every bite will be rich and satisfying.

Step 6: First Baking Phase

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, letting all those flavors meld together.

Step 7: Finish Baking

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes. The rice should become tender and absorb all the delicious liquid.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped chives on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Helpful Advice for Perfect Hamburger and Rice Casserole

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier casserole.
• Rinse rice before adding to remove extra starch and prevent clumping during baking.
• Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture absorption.
• Experiment with different herbs like parsley or green onions for added flavor complexity.
• Substitute beef with ground turkey for a lighter protein option while maintaining similar cooking techniques.

Variations to Make Hamburger and Rice Casserole Your Own

• Southwestern Beef Casserole: Replace French onion soup with salsa, add black beans, corn, and top with shredded cheddar cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Lamb Rice Bake: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, use chicken broth instead of consomme, and sprinkle with oregano and feta cheese for a Greek-style dish.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Rice Casserole: Substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and lentils, use vegetable broth, and add spinach for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole: Replace beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, use cream of mushroom soup, and mix in Swiss cheese for a creamy, comforting meal.

Pairing Recommendations for Hamburger and Rice Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich beef flavors, cutting through the casserole's hearty texture and enhancing its savory profile.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, tangy side with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness and add fresh, bright notes to the meal.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers to introduce additional nutrition and provide a caramelized contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Complement with Craft Beer Pairing: Select an amber ale or brown ale with malty undertones that will harmonize with the beef's depth and provide a smooth, complementary drinking experience.

Storing Hamburger and Rice Casserole to Maintain Flavor

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, lasting up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent dryness, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

Hamburger and Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting hamburger and rice casserole brings classic midwestern charm to family dinner tables. Hearty layers of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef

Grains:

• 2 cups (370 g) uncooked long-grain white rice

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 2 cans (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) French onion soup
• 2 cans (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) beef consomme
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, sliced into pats
• Chopped chives, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 425F (220C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a skillet, thoroughly cook ground beef over medium heat until completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes; carefully drain accumulated fat.
3. Create an even layer of cooked beef across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then spread uncooked rice uniformly over the meat.
4. Gently pour French onion soup and beef consomme over the beef and rice mixture, using a light stirring motion to integrate ingredients without disturbing the layers.
5. Strategically place butter slices across the surface to ensure even distribution and enhance flavor.
6. Seal the baking dish completely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to steam and meld together.
7. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, monitoring rice for tenderness and checking that liquid is mostly absorbed.
8. Once finished, let casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
9. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped chives to add a bright, aromatic finish before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that keeps the hearty flavor intact.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more complex textures in the casserole.
• For a gluten-free option, verify that the French onion soup and beef consomme are certified gluten-free before using.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium broth alternatives and seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of relying solely on packaged soup mixes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg