This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory goodness of ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, tender rice, and a melty cheese topping. It’s a one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding the whole family. With its rich, creamy texture and delicious layers of flavor, this casserole is sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Drain any excess fat. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Rice Mixture: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the beef mixture and stir well. Pour in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream, stirring until fully combined. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle the top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
Duration Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
FAQs:
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but brown rice will require more cooking time and additional broth. Adjust the baking time accordingly until the rice is tender.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Can I add vegetables to this casserole? Absolutely! You can add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to enhance the flavor and add more nutrients.
- Can I substitute the ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be used as substitutes if you prefer a lighter or different flavor.
Enjoy this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, a rich, creamy dish that brings all the comfort of a home-cooked meal to your table in one easy-to-make recipe!