Hamburger & Rice Casserole

Hamburger & Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty ground beef, nutritious vegetables, and creamy flavors into one satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this casserole is quick to prepare and delivers a deliciously cheesy, savory meal straight from the oven. Its simple ingredients and rich flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love Hamburger & Rice Casserole because it’s a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

The combination of savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese creates a rich and satisfying dish.

The addition of vegetables and spinach not only adds nutrition but also balances the hearty ingredients.

It’s a versatile recipe that can feed a crowd and is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, making it a go-to favorite for any occasion.

Key Ingredients:

Ground beef: A hearty base that adds flavor and protein to the dish.

Onion and garlic: For a savory aroma and depth of flavor.

Sliced mushrooms: Adds a rich, earthy taste and texture.

Frozen chopped spinach: Provides a healthy boost of greens.

Instant rice: A quick and convenient way to add a soft, fluffy texture.

Cream of celery soup and sour cream: Create a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Frozen mixed vegetables: A colorful and nutritious addition.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to create a delicious, gooey topping.

Hamburger & Rice Casserole

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef

1 onion, diced

1 can (8 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained

1 clove garlic, minced

½ teaspoon dried oregano

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1 cup instant rice

1 ¼ cups water

1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup

⅓ cup sour cream

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup frozen mixed vegetables

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, sauté the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove any excess fat.

Mix Ingredients: Combine the cooked beef mixture in a large bowl with the mushrooms, oregano, spinach, instant rice, water, cream of celery soup, sour cream, mixed vegetables, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and tender.

Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, and place the casserole under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes golden.

Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes:

Substitute Ground Beef: You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.

Rice Options: Instant rice works best for this recipe, as it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors. However, you can use regular rice, though it will need a longer cooking time. Be sure to adjust the water accordingly if using non-instant rice.

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Customize Veggies: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers, based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Make-Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or preparing a meal in advance.

Leftovers: The casserole keeps well for leftovers, so you can enjoy it for a couple of days. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Toppings: For extra flavor, you can sprinkle additional cheese or breadcrumbs on top before broiling for a crispy, golden crust.

Check Rice Tenderness: If you’re using a different type of rice, make sure to check for tenderness before serving, as some varieties may require a bit more cooking time.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?

Yes, you can use regular rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of water.

Regular rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to simmer it for an additional 10–15 minutes before adding the other ingredients.

Make sure to check the rice for tenderness before baking.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and follow the remaining instructions.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well.

To freeze, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.

Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?

Yes! Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for other veggies like peas, carrots, bell peppers, or corn, depending on your preferences.

Just make sure the vegetables are cut into small, bite-sized pieces.

Can I make this casserole spicy?

Yes, if you like a bit of heat, you can add some chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the casserole mixture.

Just adjust the level of spice to your taste.

How do I avoid the casserole being too dry?

To prevent the casserole from drying out, be sure to use enough liquid (like the cream of celery soup and sour cream).

If the mixture seems too thick before baking, you can add a little extra water or broth to ensure it stays moist during the baking process.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.

Just be mindful that these leaner meats may not render as much fat, so you might need to add a little olive oil or extra seasoning to enhance the flavor.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

To add some heat, try mixing in a small can of diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce.

You can also season with chili powder or red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Do I have to use instant rice?

Instant rice is ideal for this recipe as it cooks quickly, but you can substitute with regular rice.

If you use regular rice, make sure to cook it separately according to the package directions before adding it to the casserole.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to substitute mozzarella cheese with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a cheese blend.

Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may slightly differ depending on your choice of cheese.