Hamburger Rice Casserole

Hamburger Rice Casserole – A Cozy, Budget-Friendly Dinner the Whole Family Will Love

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting, and budget-friendly meal to add to your weekly dinner rotation, this Hamburger Rice Casserole is the perfect choice. It’s a simple, hearty dish made with ground beef, tender rice, flavorful seasonings, and creamy sauce—all baked together into a delicious, family-approved casserole. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or searching for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe checks every box.

This casserole is especially great for busy families because it requires minimal prep, uses everyday pantry ingredients, and bakes into a complete meal without needing extra sides. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep. If you’re a fan of classic comfort food, you’ll love how satisfying and nostalgic this dish feels.

Why You Will Love This Hamburger Rice Casserole

Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and condensed soup.
Quick and easy: Only a few steps and limited prep.
Kid-approved flavor: Creamy, savory, and always a crowd pleaser.
Perfect for meal prep: Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Flexible: Add vegetables, cheese, or spices to customize it.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups beef broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, peas, carrots, or green beans

How to Make Hamburger Rice Casserole

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
Season: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients: In a casserole dish, mix the uncooked rice, beef broth, cream soup, and seasoned beef. Add optional veggies if desired.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
Optional Cheese Topping: Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.

Tips for the Best Results

Keep it covered while baking to help the rice cook evenly.
Add extra broth if you prefer a softer, creamier texture.
Swap proteins—ground turkey or chicken also work well.
Want more flavor? Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or paprika.

Serving Ideas

Serve your Hamburger Rice Casserole with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or buttery garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also perfect on its own, thanks to the balance of protein, carbs, and savory creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Hamburger Rice Casserole is one of those timeless, comforting recipes that never disappoints. With simple ingredients and rich homemade flavor, it’s the ideal go-to dish for busy nights and cozy family dinners. If you’re building a recipe collection focused on quick, easy, and affordable meals, this casserole definitely deserves a spot at the top.