Hearty Ground Beef & Rice Bake

Craving a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this ultimate Hamburger Rice Casserole. This comforting dish brings together savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all baked to perfection under a blanket of melty cheese. It’s the kind of wholesome, flavorful meal that makes busy weeknights feel effortless and brings everyone eagerly to the dinner table. Every spoonful delivers a delightful combination of textures and tastes, making it an instant family favorite.

This ground beef and rice casserole isn’t just a crowd-pleaser because of its incredible taste; its simplicity is another major draw. The process begins on the stovetop, where lean ground beef is browned with aromatic onions and garlic. Next, a carefully selected blend of seasonings and other core ingredients are mixed in, transforming humble components into a rich and flavorful foundation. Everything then gets transferred to a casserole dish, topped generously with your favorite shredded cheese, and baked until golden brown and bubbly. As it bakes, the cheese forms an irresistible crust, adding an extra layer of savory depth and a wonderfully gooey texture that truly elevates the dish.

Forget complicated recipes and endless dishes. This one-pot (or rather, one-skillet-then-one-casserole-dish) wonder is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss. It’s perfect for those evenings when time is short but you still want to serve a homemade meal that feels special and nourishing. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is enough to gather the entire household, and the robust flavors will have them reaching for seconds before you know it.

Why This Hamburger Rice Casserole is a Weeknight Winner

This isn’t just any dinner; it’s a solution to your mealtime dilemmas. Here’s why this easy hamburger casserole recipe is poised to become a staple in your kitchen:

Kid-Friendly Appeal
This cheesy ground beef casserole is seasoned just enough to be universally enjoyable, making it perfect even for picky eaters. The combination of flavorful ground meat, tender rice, vibrant vegetables, and plenty of melty cheese is a guaranteed hit. It’s comfort food at its best, designed to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Effortless Preparation
From stovetop to oven, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. It requires minimal active cooking time, allowing you to quickly mix everything together and let the oven do the rest of the work. This makes it an ideal choice for those hectic evenings when you need a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Most of the ingredients for this casserole are inexpensive pantry staples. Ground beef, rice, and frozen vegetables are economical choices that can easily be adapted to fit any budget. It’s a smart way to feed a family without breaking the bank, providing substantial portions that are both filling and satisfying.
Remarkable Adaptability
One of the greatest strengths of this hamburger rice casserole is its incredible versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of rice, various ground meats, or a wider array of frozen vegetables. You can also swap out the cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites. Each modification offers a new dimension of comforting flavors and delightful textures, ensuring you can tailor it to your family’s preferences every time.
Hearty & Wholesome
Packed with protein from the ground beef, carbohydrates from the rice, and essential nutrients from the vegetables, this casserole provides a balanced and complete meal in one dish. It’s truly a wholesome option that will leave everyone feeling full and content.

Essential Ingredients for Your Hamburger Rice Casserole

Crafting this delicious casserole starts with a selection of common ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some exciting variations to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredient Notes and Creative Variations:

**Olive Oil:** Used for sautéing. Any neutral cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil can be substituted.
**Onion:** A yellow onion provides a sweet, aromatic base for the casserole. Red onion can offer a slightly sharper flavor, or you can use sweet onions for an even milder taste. Dicing them finely ensures they blend seamlessly into the dish.
**Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic is key for a delicious aroma and robust flavor. It’s sautéed with the onion to create an irresistible foundation. If fresh garlic isn’t available, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used as a substitute, added along with the other dry seasonings.
**Ground Beef:** We recommend using 85/15 lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and leanness. However, feel free to use your preferred fat percentage. Ground turkey or chicken can also be excellent, healthier alternatives, though they may require slight adjustments to cooking time and seasoning to achieve a similar depth of flavor.
**Bell Pepper:** Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color. Red bell pepper is specified for its sweetness, but green, yellow, or orange bell peppers would work just as well, offering slightly different flavor profiles.
**Frozen Veggies:** This is where you can truly customize the dish. Two cups of your favorite frozen vegetables are perfect. Peas, corn, green beans, or a mixed vegetable blend are fantastic choices. You can even add diced carrots or broccoli florets for extra nutrition and texture.
**Italian Seasoning:** A classic blend that provides a warm, herbaceous flavor. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary will do the trick.
**Cinnamon:** Just a small touch of ground cinnamon is a secret ingredient that subtly enhances the savory flavors of the beef and other spices, adding a unique depth without making the dish taste sweet. Don’t skip it!
**Salt & Black Pepper:** Essential for seasoning. Adjust to your taste preferences. Freshly ground black pepper offers the best flavor.
**Tomato Paste:** Concentrated tomato paste adds richness and a deep umami flavor, forming the backbone of the sauce.
**Worcestershire Sauce:** This savory sauce is excellent for bringing out and intensifying the robust, meaty flavors of the ground beef.
**White Rice:** Regular long-grain white rice is recommended for its texture and how it absorbs liquids. Brown rice can be used for a healthier option, but note that it will require a longer cooking time and potentially more liquid. Wild rice or a rice blend could also introduce interesting textures and flavors.
**Beef Broth:** Used to cook the rice and infuse flavor throughout the casserole. For alternatives, you can use chicken broth, vegetable stock, or even water with a bouillon cube, though beef broth yields the richest taste.
**Shredded Cheese:** Freshly hand-grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese is highly recommended for the best melting quality and flavor. Bagged shredded cheese can also be used for convenience. Other great options include Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for a different twist.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

While this recipe is simple, having the right tools on hand can make the process even smoother:

Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for browning the meat and cooking the rice mixture.
Casserole Dish: A 13×9 inch baking dish is ideal for baking the casserole to cheesy perfection.
Cheese Grater: For grating fresh cheese, which melts beautifully and provides superior flavor and texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.

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Simple Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious Hamburger Rice Casserole:

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole dish is ready when you are.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s completely browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Incorporate Vegetables: Stir in the diced bell peppers and your chosen frozen vegetables. Mix well to combine with the beef mixture.
Season & Mix: Add the Italian seasoning, ground cinnamon, black pepper, salt (to taste), tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the uncooked long-grain white rice to the mixture. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the rice and vegetables are well coated with the seasonings and tomato paste.
Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Transfer & Fluff: Remove the skillet from the heat. Fluff the rice and beef mixture with a fork. Carefully pour the entire mixture into a 13×9 inch baking dish.
Top with Cheese & Bake: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, with a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Customizing Your Casserole: Delicious Variations

This hamburger rice casserole is fantastic as is, but its adaptable nature means you can easily tailor it to your family’s preferences or use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make it truly your own:

Boost the Veggies: Besides peas and corn, try adding frozen green beans, diced carrots, broccoli florets, or even chopped spinach for extra nutrients and texture.
Add Beans: A can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans can be stirred into the meat mixture along with the other vegetables for added protein and fiber, giving it a Tex-Mex twist.
Earthy Flavor: Sliced mushrooms can be added when you sauté the onions. They cook down beautifully and lend a wonderful earthy depth to the dish.
Flavor Boosters: For an extra layer of savory flavor, consider mixing in a packet of ranch seasoning mix or a French onion soup mix seasoning packet to the ground beef as it browns. These shortcuts add a fantastic punch of flavor.
Alternate Proteins: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner casserole. Adjust cooking times slightly as ground poultry cooks faster. Ground sausage (pork or turkey) could also add a rich, spicy flavor.
Different Cheeses: While cheddar and mozzarella are classics, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Colby Jack, Pepper Jack (for a kick), or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with your seasonings, or dice in a jalapeño with the bell peppers.

Pro Tips for the Best Hamburger Rice Casserole

Freshly Grated Cheese is Key: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, shredding your own block of cheddar or mozzarella will result in a cheesier, meltier topping. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting.
Prevent Sticking: Always use a cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil on your casserole dish before adding the hamburger rice mixture. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents the delicious crust from sticking.
Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions just before serving adds a lovely fresh flavor and a vibrant pop of color.
Don’t Overcook the Rice: Pay attention to the rice as it simmers. Overcooked rice can become mushy. The goal is tender, fluffy grains that have absorbed the broth.
Drain Excess Fat: After browning the ground beef, make sure to drain any accumulated fat. This prevents the casserole from being greasy and heavy.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This casserole is fantastic for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week. Here’s how to best handle leftovers:

Refrigerate: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Transfer leftover hamburger rice casserole to an airtight container and store it in your refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, ensure the casserole has completely cooled. Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in aluminum foil and then plastic wrap. This casserole can be frozen for up to three months. Label with the date for best practice.
Reheat: From the refrigerator, individual servings can be reheated in the microwave until warmed through. For a larger portion, cover the dish with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until hot. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the microwave or oven.

Make Ahead Instructions for Easy Meal Prep

This cheesy hamburger casserole is an excellent candidate for making ahead, which can save you significant time on a busy day. You can prepare the entire hamburger and rice mixture, pour it into your chosen baking dish, and then cover it tightly. Store it in your refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply uncover, sprinkle with cheese, and bake in your preheated oven until it’s hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from a cold temperature.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Hamburger Rice Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple sides can perfectly complement its rich flavors and round out your dinner:

Fresh Garnish: Before serving, consider topping individual portions with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh green onions, or chopped fresh parsley for added freshness and a creamy touch.
Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a wonderful contrast to the hearty casserole.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Boost your vegetable intake with additional sides. Try this air fryer frozen asparagus, air fryer frozen broccoli, or simple steamed green beans.
Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any delicious juices left on the plate.

Your Questions Answered: FAQs About Hamburger Rice Casserole

Can I use minute rice or instant rice in hamburger rice casserole?

While a variety of rice types can be used, we generally recommend against using minute rice or instant rice for this casserole. These types of rice cook much faster and absorb liquid differently, which means the amount of broth stated in the recipe may result in a casserole that is too watery or mushy. For the best texture and consistency, it’s highly recommended to stick with non-instant rice, such as regular long-grain white rice or wild rice, as specified in the recipe. If you must use instant rice, you would need to significantly reduce the broth and monitor the cooking closely.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

To make this dish even healthier, you can opt for extra-lean ground beef or switch to ground turkey or chicken. Incorporate more vegetables by adding finely chopped zucchini, carrots, or spinach. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for increased fiber (adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly). Reduce the amount of cheese or use a low-fat cheese option. Serving it with a large side salad can also boost its nutritional value.

Can I prepare this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! You would still brown the ground beef, onions, and garlic on the stovetop first. Then, combine the beef mixture with the remaining ingredients (except the cheese) in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, or until the rice is tender. Stir in half of the cheese during the last 30 minutes, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for the last 15 minutes, allowing it to melt. You might not get the crispy cheese crust as you would in an oven, but it will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

If beef broth isn’t available, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as a direct substitute. While beef broth provides the richest, deepest flavor for a beef casserole, chicken or vegetable broth will still yield a delicious and moist dish. In a pinch, you can also use water combined with a beef bouillon cube or granule, following the package instructions for the equivalent amount of broth.

Related Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this hearty casserole, you might also like these other comforting and delicious recipes:

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole: Another fantastic ground beef meal, this casserole features a savory meat, cheese, and vegetable mixture topped with a wonderful layer of golden cornbread.
Apple Crisp Bars: Have a few apples on hand? You must try these delightful apple crisp bars, featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, crumbly topping. Perfect for a dessert or snack!
Homemade Banana Milk: A delicious, naturally sweet banana-flavored milk that’s ready in minutes. It’s perfect for an after-school treat or a healthy breakfast beverage.

Cheesy, savory, and utterly satisfying—don’t you agree? We absolutely adore this hamburger rice casserole, and the kids can’t get enough of it. It’s so simple, yet bursting with incredible flavor in every bite. We’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative twists you add! Please leave a comment below.

If you love this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Hamburger Rice Casserole

This is a complete favorite family meal with ground beef, veggies, and rice, all cooked to perfection and topped with melty cheese for more deliciousness. A true comfort food classic.

Average Rating: 5 stars from 2 votes

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Course: Main Course |
Cuisine: American |
Diet: Halal

Prep Time: 5 minutes |
Cook Time: 25 minutes |
Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6 Servings |
Calories: 528 kcal

Author: Amira

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended)
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups frozen peas or any preferred frozen diced veggies
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ – ¾ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Salt, or to taste
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 ¼ cup long grain white rice
2 cups beef broth
1 ½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil on medium-high and sauté onions until translucent.
Add garlic and continue to cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add diced bell peppers and frozen veggies to the ground beef mixture and mix well.
Add Italian seasoning, ground cinnamon, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, salt, tomato paste, and uncooked rice. Mix thoroughly.
Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and continue to cook until rice is done and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
Remove from heat, fluff the mixture with a fork, and pour into a 13×9 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top and return to the preheated oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, approximately 5-10 minutes. Serve hot.

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