This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the perfect weeknight comfort food simple, hearty, and loaded with flavor. Juicy ground beef, tender rice, and a medley of veggies are baked together with melted cheddar cheese for a meal the whole family will love. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and ready to satisfy every craving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 cup of uncooked white rice
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained
- 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes with juice, frozen vegetables, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
Variation
- Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten things up while keeping the same cozy flavors.
- Try using Mexican-style diced tomatoes with green chilies for a zesty, slightly spicy twist.
- Replace the mixed vegetables with broccoli florets or zucchini for a different veggie profile.
Cooking Notes
- If using brown rice instead of white, increase the simmering time by about 10 minutes and add ½ cup more broth.
- To prevent the casserole from drying out, make sure most of the liquid is absorbed before baking but not all. A little moisture helps keep it tender.
- Grate the cheese fresh from a block it melts more smoothly and adds better flavor than pre-shredded.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for balance.
- Serve with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the cheesy goodness.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of hot sauce on each serving for extra flair.
Tips
- Cook the beef thoroughly and season generously at the browning stage it builds the flavor base for the whole dish.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets nicely and is easier to slice.
- Double the recipe and freeze half before baking for a quick future meal.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes. -
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole without baking, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. -
What other cheeses can I use besides cheddar?
Mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even Pepper Jack work beautifully, depending on your flavor preference. -
How do I keep the rice from turning mushy?
Make sure not to overcook it on the stovetop. Simmer just until tender, as it will continue to cook while baking.
Conclusion
This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food simple to make, budget-friendly, and loaded with hearty flavors. With tender beef, fluffy rice, melty cheese, and colorful veggies, it’s a dish that always brings the family back for seconds. Keep this recipe in your rotation for a cozy dinner that’s as satisfying as it is stress-free.
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Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the perfect weeknight comfort food—simple, hearty, and loaded with flavor. Juicy ground beef, tender rice, and a medley of veggies are baked together with melted cheddar cheese for a meal the whole family will love. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and ready to satisfy every craving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 cup of uncooked white rice
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained
- 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes with juice, frozen vegetables, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
Notes
- Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor twist.
- You can use brown rice, but increase the cooking time and liquid slightly.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: hamburger rice casserole, cheesy beef bake, ground beef and rice