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- 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 The heart of this dish starts with ground beef. I like to use a pound for a rich flavor. Next is long-grain rice, which cooks well in the casserole. Diced tomatoes add moisture and a slight tang, while cream of mushroom soup gives a creamy texture. Finally, beef broth enhances the flavor and helps cook the rice evenly. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Seasonings are key in this recipe. I love adding a cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a golden, bubbly top. Diced green bell pepper and chopped onion add crunch and sweetness. Minced garlic gives a punch of flavor, while Worcestershire sauce adds a unique depth. - Fresh parsley, chopped - Additional spices For garnishes, I often use fresh parsley. It brightens the dish and adds color. You can also sprinkle extra spices to enhance the flavor. A little smoked paprika or black pepper can take it to the next level. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven so your casserole cooks evenly. While the oven heats, grab a large skillet and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add one chopped onion and one diced green bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. The smell will start to fill your kitchen! Next, it's time to cook the beef. Add two cloves of minced garlic and one pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly. Season the beef with salt, pepper, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir well to coat the beef in all the tasty flavors. In a large mixing bowl, combine one cup of uncooked long-grain rice, one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes (don't drain them), one 10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup, and one cup of beef broth. Mix it well. Then, add the cooked beef mixture to the bowl and stir until everything is combined. Now, pour this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly so it cooks well throughout. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes. This helps the rice cook and absorb all the flavors. After 40 minutes, remove the foil. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble, creating a delicious, golden crust. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color! To make sure the beef browns evenly, use medium heat. This helps to cook the beef all over. Stir it often as it cooks. Break it up with a spatula. This way, you avoid big chunks of beef. No one wants that in their casserole! When it comes to rice, you want a good texture. Long-grain rice cooks well and stays fluffy. Be sure to mix it well with the other ingredients. This helps to keep the rice from clumping together. To bring out the best taste, try adding spices. Smoked paprika gives a nice, smoky flavor. Oregano adds a touch of earthiness. You can also use a dash of cayenne for heat if you like spice. If you want a twist, swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken. This can change the flavor but still keeps it creamy. You can also use a can of tomato soup for a sweeter flavor. Garnishing your casserole makes it look special. Use fresh parsley to add color on top. Chop it finely and sprinkle it just before serving. For serving, a large spoon works well. It helps to scoop out the casserole easily. Serve it with a side of warm bread or a crisp salad for a full meal. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish, making it a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. Cook Rice Separately: If you prefer a firmer texture, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it to the mixture just before baking. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like corn or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your casserole. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking; this will help it set and make it easier to serve. {{image_2}} You can change a few things to make this dish healthier. Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. These meats are leaner and lower in fat. They still taste great and keep the meal filling. Another great swap is to use brown rice instead of white. Brown rice has more fiber and nutrients. It adds a nice nutty flavor, too. Just remember, brown rice may take longer to cook. Adjust your cooking time as needed. If you want a meat-free meal, you can replace the beef with vegetables. Try using mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. These veggies add color and flavor. You can also use plant-based protein, like lentils or chickpeas. They are both filling and full of protein. This option makes the dish hearty while keeping it meat-free. To make your casserole even better, add different vegetables. Peas, carrots, or corn can add sweetness and crunch. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. Experimenting with cheeses can also change the dish's flavor. You can use mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for some heat. Each cheese brings its unique flair, making your casserole even more delicious. To keep your Hamburger Rice Casserole fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration guidelines: First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain flavor and texture. - Freezing instructions: If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Place the cooled casserole in an airtight container or wrap it tightly. It can last in the freezer for about three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating properly is key to enjoying this dish again. - Best ways to reheat casserole: The oven is best for reheating. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. - Avoiding sogginess: To avoid a soggy texture, do not add extra liquid when reheating. If using the microwave, cover it loosely to let steam escape. Knowing how long your casserole lasts is important. - How long it lasts in the fridge: In the fridge, Hamburger Rice Casserole stays good for about three days. - Signs of spoilage: Look for changes in color, smell, or texture. If it smells sour or has mold, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses for safety. Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance. To do this, follow the recipe up to the baking step. Once you mix all the ingredients, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just remove the cover and bake it straight from the fridge. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Absolutely! Using leftover rice is a great way to save time. If you have cooked rice, use about 2 cups. Reduce the beef broth by half, as the rice may absorb less liquid. Mix the rice in after cooking the beef and vegetables. This makes the casserole easy and quick to whip up! This casserole stands well on its own, but you can add sides for extra flavor. Some great options include: - Steamed green beans - A fresh garden salad - Garlic bread These sides help balance the meal and add some crunch or freshness. To check if your casserole is done, look for a few signs. First, the cheese should be melted and bubbly. You can also poke a fork in the center. If it feels hot and the rice is tender, it’s ready. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps set the layers and makes it easier to serve. This blog post covered how to make Hamburger Rice Casserole. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. I shared variations to suit your taste and storage methods to keep it fresh. Remember, cooking is fun! Try different flavors and enjoy the process. You can make this dish your own, whether you want it healthier or vegetarian. Now, gather your ingredients and start cooking!

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
  • 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and oregano.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Stir in the cooked beef mixture until well combined.
  • Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  • Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword beef, casserole, comfort food, rice