If you’re in the mood for a comforting and filling meal that comes together quickly, this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the perfect choice. With seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, all baked in a single dish, this casserole is ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup rice (uncooked)
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine the seasoning with the beef.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, beef broth, and drained diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the baking dish and stir everything together until well mixed.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
After 35 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
Add vegetables: I sometimes add vegetables like bell peppers or peas to the casserole for extra color and flavor.
Swap the cheese: If I don’t have cheddar cheese, mozzarella works just as well, or I mix both for a cheesy, stretchy finish.
Spicy twist: For a spicier version, I add a dash of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I microwave individual portions or place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, I can substitute brown rice for white rice, but I will need to increase the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. I recommend using cooked brown rice to keep the casserole’s timing consistent.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze. When ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative. It will still be flavorful, especially with the seasonings, but it will result in a slightly lighter dish.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
I can easily make this dish spicier by adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a bit of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. Adjust to my spice tolerance!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, I just pop it in the oven to bake.
Conclusion
This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is one of those recipes I keep coming back to for its simplicity and satisfying flavors. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or when I need to feed a crowd. Plus, with minimal cleanup and maximum taste, it’s a great addition to my regular meal rotation. Whether I’m making it for a busy weeknight or a weekend family dinner, I know it’ll always be a hit!
Recipe:
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Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and filling meal featuring seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, all baked in one dish. This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup rice (uncooked)
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine the seasoning with the beef.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, beef broth, and drained diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the baking dish and stir everything together until well mixed.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- After 35 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
Variations: Add bell peppers, peas, or jalapeños to customize the flavor.
Freezing: Let the casserole cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
