Introduction to Hamburger Rice Casserole
If you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that checks all the boxes—easy, budget-friendly, and family-approved—this one-pan hamburger rice casserole is a must-try. Made with just a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, it’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or make-ahead freezer meals. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s no surprise this dish has become a staple in kitchens everywhere.
This recipe combines browned ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, and uncooked white rice in a creamy base of canned soups and beef broth. It all bakes together in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze and prep effortless. Popular among easy weeknight dinner recipes, this casserole is especially loved for how adaptable it is—you can add cheese, herbs, or your favorite vegetables to make it your own.
From a culinary standpoint, this dish shares the DNA of classic American casseroles, which traditionally combine protein, starch, and a creamy binder into a single bake. But this version stands out for its simplicity and flexibility. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or meal-prepping for the week, this hamburger casserole with rice delivers comfort and convenience every time.
Why Everyone Loves This Hamburger Casserole
There’s something timeless and satisfying about a hamburger rice casserole. It’s filling, flavorful, and fits perfectly into a busy schedule or a tight grocery budget. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, this dish becomes a go-to dinner that checks all the boxes: minimal prep, easy cleanup, and comfort food satisfaction.
One of the biggest reasons this casserole is a favorite is its adaptability. You can tweak it with whatever ingredients you have on hand—cheddar cheese, frozen vegetables, or a seasoning blend—to suit your family’s tastes. It’s also a hit in simple ground beef dinner recipes, especially for those looking for quick oven meals that don’t sacrifice flavor for convenience.
From a cooking method standpoint, this dish functions similarly to other classic casserole-style meals, using the oven to slowly steam the rice and meld all the flavors together. It’s comforting and practical, making it perfect for leftovers, packed lunches, or freezing for future meals. If you’re looking for a dependable recipe that feeds a crowd and requires very little babysitting, this one delivers.
Ingredient Breakdown and Customization
Ground Beef
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Use lean or regular ground beef
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Brown with onion and garlic for flavor
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Drain excess fat before mixing
Uncooked Rice
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Long-grain white rice is recommended
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Do not substitute with instant or pre-cooked rice unless adjusting liquid
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Learn more about rice varieties used in casseroles
Cream Soups
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Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken create a creamy, savory base
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Substitute with cream of celery or use homemade soup for a cleaner version
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See how condensed soups work in casseroles
Broth or Water
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Beef broth enhances the savory depth
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Water works in a pinch but reduces flavor intensity
Cheese (Optional)
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Cheddar melts beautifully and adds richness
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Monterey Jack or Colby are great alternatives
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
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Brown the ground beef with chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain grease.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
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In a mixing bowl, combine uncooked rice, both cans of soup, beef broth, paprika, herbs (if using), and salt and pepper.
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Add the cooked beef mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
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Pour into prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
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Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for 5–10 more minutes until melted.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Need visuals? See hamburger casserole step-by-steps.
More info on oven baking methods.
Tips for Success
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Use a tightly sealed foil cover to trap steam for perfectly cooked rice
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Let the dish rest 5 minutes after baking to thicken and set
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Season the beef while browning to enhance overall flavor
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Stir halfway through if your oven tends to cook unevenly
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See more one-pan casserole tips
Flavor Variations
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Tex-Mex twist: Add cumin, chili powder, corn, and black beans
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Veggie-loaded: Stir in frozen peas, carrots, or spinach
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Italian version: Use Italian seasoning and mozzarella
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Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper or jalapeños
Explore more ground beef casserole variations.
What to Serve with Hamburger Casserole
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Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
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Garlic bread or buttered toast
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Steamed green beans or roasted carrots
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Light fruit salad or applesauce for a sweet contrast
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Find more family dinner sides
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
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Make-ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge
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Freeze cooked portions individually for easy reheating
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Reheat covered in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth
Learn about freezer-safe casserole tips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using instant rice – it will become mushy or overcooked
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Not sealing the foil – rice may not cook evenly
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Under-seasoning – taste your mixture before baking
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Overbaking – check at 50 minutes and adjust based on oven behavior
More casserole troubleshooting tips.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but it takes longer to cook. Add 10–15 extra minutes and more liquid.
Can I substitute the canned soups?
You can use homemade cream soups or condensed alternatives to control sodium.
Do I need to cook the rice first?
No, the rice cooks in the oven with the broth. Just make sure it’s uncooked and long-grain.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, sub with plant-based meat and veggie broth. Use cream of mushroom and celery.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze baked portions or the entire cooked casserole, well wrapped.
One-Pan Hamburger Casserole Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again
Description
This one-pan hamburger rice casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dinner made with ground beef, rice, creamy soups, and beef broth. It bakes into a rich, comforting meal with minimal prep and is perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or freezing ahead.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 cups beef broth or water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley or thyme (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, beef broth, paprika, herbs if using, and salt and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from oven, uncover, and sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using. Return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
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Use long-grain uncooked rice
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Don’t skip sealing the casserole with foil—it’s essential for cooking the rice
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Add shredded cheddar for extra richness
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Customize with vegetables or herbs
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Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze
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Great as a meal prep option or freezer meal
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Pairs well with salad, bread, or steamed veggies
