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- Ground beef and rice essentials: You need 1 lb of ground beef and 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice. These are the heart of the dish and work well together. The beef adds flavor and protein, while the rice helps to fill you up. - Vegetables and aromatics used: For great taste, use 1 green bell pepper, diced, and 1 medium onion, chopped. Both add texture and flavor. Don't forget 2 cloves of minced garlic; it brings in a nice aroma. - Creamy elements for richness: You'll need 1 can of cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of beef broth. These create a creamy base that makes the casserole rich and tasty. Plus, 1 can of diced tomatoes adds moisture and a hint of sweetness. - Spices for flavor enhancement: Use 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano. These spices give the dish depth and warmth. Add salt and black pepper to taste for the final touch. - Optional garnishes for aesthetics: Fresh parsley, chopped, is perfect for garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness. You can sprinkle it on top right before serving for a nice look. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cook the casserole evenly. 2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 3. Add 1 chopped onion and 1 diced green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes. 4. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onion turns clear. 5. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 more minute until you smell the garlic. 1. Now, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula. 2. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes. It should turn brown and not pink. 3. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix well to combine all the flavors. 1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice, 1 can of diced tomatoes (15 oz), 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz), and 1 cup of beef broth. 2. Mix everything well until it looks uniform. 3. Gently fold in the cooked beef and vegetable mix. Make sure everything is well mixed. 4. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. 1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps moisture inside. 2. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. 3. After 40 minutes, take off the foil. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. 4. Return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes. 5. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and lightly golden when done. 6. Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. 7. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. To ensure even cooking and keep your casserole moist, follow these steps: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps everything cook evenly. - Use a large skillet to cook your beef and veggies. This gives more room for heat and cooking. - When mixing, fold gently. This keeps the rice grains intact and fluffy. - Cover the dish tightly with foil before baking. This traps moisture and prevents dryness. - Check if it's done by looking for bubbling edges and melted cheese on top. For tools, I recommend: - A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients. - A spatula for breaking up the beef and mixing well. - A 9x13-inch baking dish for the casserole. For a beautiful presentation, consider these ideas: - Serve in portions straight from the baking dish. This keeps it casual and fun. - For a fancy touch, transfer to individual plates. It makes it feel special. - Garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Pair your casserole with a simple side salad. A crisp salad balances the rich flavors of the casserole. You can also add crusty bread for a comforting meal. Enjoy the tasty blend of flavors! Pro Tips Brown the Beef Well: Ensure you brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop deeper flavors. Don’t rush this step; it adds richness to the dish. Use Quality Broth: Opt for a good-quality beef broth for the best flavor. Homemade is ideal, but store-bought can work too if it's low-sodium. Layering Cheese: For extra cheesiness, consider mixing some cheese into the casserole before topping it. This creates a gooey, delightful texture throughout. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps set the layers and makes serving much easier. {{image_4}} You can change up the protein in your casserole. Ground turkey or chicken works well. If you want a veggie option, try using lentils or black beans. These swaps keep the dish tasty and filling. Different types of rice also add variety. Brown rice is a great choice for more fiber. Jasmine rice can bring a light, floral flavor. Each option changes the dish while keeping it simple. Adding unique spices can really change the flavor. Try a dash of cumin for warmth. A bit of chili powder can add heat. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can give a fresh twist. Don’t be afraid to experiment! You can also incorporate different vegetables. Spinach or zucchini blends nicely into the mix. Carrots add sweetness and color. Get creative with what you have on hand! If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free soup. Check labels to find one that fits. Swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version if you want extra flavor. For dairy-free diets, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Almond or oat milk works well instead of regular broth. You can also use a cashew cream for richness. If you want a vegan version, replace the beef with mushrooms or lentils. Use vegetable broth and a plant-based soup. This keeps your casserole hearty and satisfying. Store leftover hamburger rice casserole in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can enjoy it for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, take it out and thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until hot. This keeps the texture nice and the flavors strong. Can I make this casserole in advance? Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup? You can use cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce. Another option is to use a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a twist. These swaps will keep your dish creamy and tasty. Why is my casserole watery? A watery casserole can happen if you add too much liquid. Make sure to measure the beef broth and cream of mushroom soup correctly. Also, avoid using watery vegetables. Drain canned tomatoes well before mixing. How do I know when it’s done baking? Check the casserole after 40 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. Use a fork to test the rice; it should be tender. If it's still firm, bake it for a few more minutes. What sides go well with hamburger rice casserole? A side salad adds freshness. You can also serve steamed broccoli or green beans for color and nutrients. Garlic bread pairs nicely, too, for a heartier meal. Can I serve it as a main dish or a side? This dish is great as a main meal. It’s filling and packed with flavor. You can also serve it as a side if you have other main dishes. It complements many flavors well. This blog post covered the key elements of making a delicious hamburger rice casserole. We explored essential ingredients like ground beef, rice, and vegetables, plus the steps to prepare and bake it. I shared cooking tips to keep your dish moist and tasty. We also discussed fun variations for dietary needs. In the end, this casserole is flexible, easy to make, and perfect for sharing. You can try different ingredients and flavors to suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking and let your creativity shine!

Hamburger Rice Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole made with ground beef, rice, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 piece green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure an even cooking temperature for the casserole.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, introduce the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, stirring well to incorporate the flavors.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked long-grain rice, diced tomatoes (including their juice), cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Mix thoroughly to ensure a uniform consistency. Then, gently fold in the cooked beef and vegetable mixture until everything is well integrated.
  • Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
  • After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil, and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set. This will make serving easier.
  • To serve, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant pop of color and added freshness.

Notes

Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Keyword beef, casserole, comfort food, rice