Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe (Comfort Food!)

Remember those comforting, simple casseroles from childhood? The ones that filled the house with savory aromas and promised a satisfying, no-fuss dinner? In today’s fast-paced world, sometimes we crave that exact kind of uncomplicated deliciousness. What if you could recreate that magic with just 5 simple ingredients and minimal effort?

This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is pure nostalgic comfort in a dish. Savory ground beef and fluffy rice bake together in a rich, flavorful broth base created from canned soups – it’s a classic combination for a reason! Topped simply with butter for extra richness, this hamburger bake is incredibly easy to assemble and yields a hearty, satisfying meal the whole family will love. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

You only need a handful of pantry staples to whip up this incredibly simple and flavorful casserole.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Ground Beef	1 lb	80/20 or 90/10 lean recommended
Long-Grain White Rice	1 cup, uncooked	Do not use instant or brown rice for this method
Condensed French Onion Soup	1 can (10.5 oz)	Adds deep onion flavor
Condensed Beef Consommé	1 can (10.5 oz)	Provides rich beefy broth
Unsalted Butter	4 tbsp, sliced into pats	Adds richness to the top
Fresh Chives, chopped	2 tbsp (Optional garnish)	Adds color and mild onion flavor

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing

This casserole is incredibly quick to assemble, with most of the time being hands-off baking.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Resting Time: 5-10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these incredibly simple steps to create a delicious and comforting hamburger and rice bake.

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish

First, position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 425°F (220°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

• Actionable Tip: Greasing the dish well prevents the rice and beef from sticking, making serving and cleanup much easier.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet.

• Actionable Tip: Draining the fat is important to prevent the finished casserole from being overly greasy. Tilt the skillet and use a spoon to hold back the meat while pouring off the fat.

Step 3: Layer Beef and Rice

Spread the cooked, drained ground beef evenly across the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly over the top of the ground beef.

• Actionable Tip: Ensure the rice forms a relatively even layer over the beef so it cooks uniformly in the liquid.

Step 4: Add Soups and Mix Gently

Pour the entire can of French onion soup and the entire can of beef consommé directly over the beef and rice layers. Use a fork or spoon to gently stir the mixture just enough to evenly distribute the liquids and slightly combine the ingredients. Don’t overmix.

• Actionable Tip: Gently stirring ensures the rice gets coated in the flavorful liquids, helping it cook properly and absorb all that savory goodness.

Step 5: Dot with Butter and Cover

Slice the 4 tablespoons of butter into small pats and distribute them evenly over the top of the rice and soup mixture. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

• Actionable Tip: The butter melts down as it bakes, adding richness and helping to create a slightly crisp, golden top layer later. Covering tightly traps steam, which is essential for cooking the rice.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Carefully place the foil-covered dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Bake Uncovered

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil from the baking dish (watch out for steam!). Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. The casserole is done when the rice is tender, most of the liquid has been absorbed, and the top is becoming golden brown and slightly crispy in spots.

• Actionable Tip: Check the rice for tenderness by tasting a few grains. If it’s still crunchy after the second 30 minutes, cover the dish loosely with foil again and bake for another 5-10 minutes until tender.

Step 8: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Remove the Hamburger Rice Casserole from the oven and let it rest, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the remaining liquid to absorb and makes it easier to serve. If desired, garnish generously with freshly chopped chives. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, assuming the casserole yields 6 servings. Values can vary based on specific ingredients used (like the fat content of the beef and soup brands).

• Calories: Approx. 400-500 kcal
• Protein: 20-25 g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40 g
• Fat: 18-25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8-12 g
• Sodium: High (due to canned soups)

Healthier Alternatives

This classic comfort food can be adjusted to fit different dietary preferences:

• Leaner Meat: Use 93% lean ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken to reduce the fat content. Ensure you still drain any excess fat.
• Lower Sodium: Opt for low-sodium versions of both the French onion soup and beef consommé to significantly reduce the sodium content. You may need to add a pinch more salt to taste at the end.
• Brown Rice: While this recipe is optimized for white rice, you could try substituting brown rice. However, brown rice requires significantly more liquid and a longer cooking time. You would likely need to increase the broth/consommé amount and extend the covered baking time considerably (possibly doubling it), checking frequently.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding a layer of drained canned corn, peas, or mixed vegetables on top of the ground beef before adding the rice. You could also stir in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers with the cooked beef.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole is a satisfying meal on its own but pairs well with simple sides.

• Simple Green Veggies: Serve alongside steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple side salad with a vinaigrette to add freshness and color.
• Dinner Rolls: Warm, soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra flavorful juices on the plate.
• Comfort Food Classic: Embrace the retro vibe and serve with a side of buttered peas or glazed carrots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For perfect results with this simple casserole, avoid these potential issues:

• Using the Wrong Rice: Instant rice will turn to mush, and brown rice won’t cook properly with the specified liquid and time. Solution: Stick with standard long-grain white rice for this recipe method.
• Not Covering Tightly: If the foil isn’t tight during the first bake, too much steam escapes, and the rice may not cook through. Solution: Ensure the foil creates a good seal around the edges of the baking dish.
• Skipping the Rest: Serving immediately can result in a slightly looser casserole. Solution: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking; this allows the rice to absorb the last bits of liquid and helps it set up.

Storing Tips

Leftovers of this casserole reheat beautifully!

• Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover the dish tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, let the casserole cool completely. You can freeze portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Note that the texture of the rice might be slightly softer after thawing.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. To reheat larger amounts, cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth if it seems dry.

Conclusion

This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the epitome of simple, satisfying comfort food. With just five basic ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can create a hearty, flavorful bake that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table. It’s a budget-friendly, family-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights when you need something reliable and delicious without any fuss. Enjoy this blast from the past!

Ready for some easy comfort food? Give this classic casserole a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! We love hearing your feedback. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more simple, delicious meal ideas!

FAQs

Q1: Can I add cheese to this casserole?

Absolutely! Cheese makes everything better. You can stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese at the very end after baking, or sprinkle it over the top during the last 10 minutes of the uncovered baking time until melted and bubbly.

Q2: What can I substitute for the canned soups?

The specific flavors of French onion soup and beef consommé are key to this classic recipe. However, you could substitute the beef consommé with 10.5 oz of regular beef broth (plus maybe a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth). For the French onion soup, you could try using a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup mixed with ½ packet of dry onion soup mix for a different flavor profile, though it won’t be the traditional taste.

Q3: Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

It’s generally not recommended to assemble this casserole too far in advance with uncooked rice, as the rice might start absorbing the liquid unevenly before baking. However, you can brown the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, simply assemble the casserole right before baking.

Q4: My rice didn’t cook through completely. What went wrong?

This could happen if the dish wasn’t covered tightly enough during the first 30 minutes, allowing too much steam to escape, or if your oven temperature runs low. Ensure a tight foil seal and verify your oven temperature. If needed, add ¼ cup of hot beef broth, cover tightly again, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until tender.

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