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
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 425F (220C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- 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.
- Create an even layer of cooked beef across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then spread uncooked rice uniformly over the meat.
- 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.
- Strategically place butter slices across the surface to ensure even distribution and enhance flavor.
- Seal the baking dish completely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to steam and meld together.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, monitoring rice for tenderness and checking that liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Once finished, let casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- 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