Description
Hamburger rice casserole is a simple, hearty, and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and flavorful soups or broths. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering an easy-to-make, one-dish meal that pleases the whole family. The beauty of this casserole lies in its adaptability — whether you prefer ground turkey instead of beef, brown rice over white, or want to add vegetables like peas or carrots, this dish can be tailored to your tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups (370 g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) French onion soup
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) beef consomme
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, sliced into pats
- Chopped chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Brown the ground beef in a medium skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Layer the cooked ground beef in the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the uncooked rice.
Pour the French onion soup and beef consomme over the rice and beef layers. Stir gently to combine.
Distribute the slices of butter evenly over the top of the rice mixture.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
Garnish with chopped chives before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Meat Options: While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative to lighten the dish or cater to dietary preferences.
- Rice Types: Long-grain white rice is standard, but brown rice, jasmine, or even basmati can be used. If using brown rice, increase the liquid slightly and adjust the cooking time.
- Soup Choices: Beef consommé and French onion soup add rich flavors. You can swap one of these with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a creamier casserole.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: For extra nutrition, add frozen or fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Toppings: A layer of cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top creates a deliciously cheesy finish, while breadcrumbs or crispy onions can add texture.
- Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: This dish can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later. Just make sure to thaw before baking.