Description

🍚✨ Looking for a hassle-free, hearty dinner? Try Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole—a comforting dish that’s simple to make and full of flavor! 🥄🍖 Savory ground beef, tender rice, and melty cheese make this casserole the ultimate weeknight winner. Perfect for beginners, this easy recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family! 😍

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Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup uncooked white or brown rice (brown rice offers a healthier alternative)
2 cups beef or chicken broth (if you prefer a more flavorful broth, use beef broth)
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or you can use cream of chicken soup for a milder flavor)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese blend)
1/2 cup frozen peas or corn (optional, but they add a pop of color and extra flavor)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the casserole to bake evenly and ensures the rice cooks through properly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Season the mixture with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld. If there’s excess grease in the pan, drain it off to keep the casserole from being too greasy.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir everything together until well combined. The liquid from the broth and soup will help the rice cook during baking.
Add the cooked beef mixture into the bowl and stir it all together. If you’re using peas or corn, fold them in at this point.
Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. The rice will absorb the liquids as it bakes, so don’t worry if it looks a bit soupy before baking.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked. The foil helps to trap moisture, ensuring the rice cooks through.
After the rice is cooked, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it hot, and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!

Notes

Rice Cooking Tip: If you’re using brown rice, note that it may take a little longer to cook. You might need to add a few extra minutes of baking time for the rice to cook through.
Avoid Overcooking Veggies: If you’re using frozen peas or corn, be careful not to overcook them. They should just be folded in with the other ingredients before baking. Frozen veggies don’t need long to cook and can become mushy if left in the oven too long.
Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the casserole is done, check to see if the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. You can also use a fork to fluff the rice and check for any uncooked grains.
Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Just cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from the fridge.
Meal Prep Tip: This casserole makes excellent leftovers. You can portion it out into containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well—just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour