There’s just something magical about a comforting casserole, don’t you think? This quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole is my go-to when I want a satisfying meal that comes together without a fuss. I love that it’s not just easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of juicy ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or those cozy Sundays when you want to indulge a little. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home too!

Ingredients for Quick and Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes (about 14.5 ounces)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (I love cheddar, but use your favorite!)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color works, but I love a vibrant red or yellow)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Feel free to get creative with the veggies! Sometimes I toss in a handful of frozen peas or corn for a pop of color and flavor. Just remember, the more you mix it up, the more unique your casserole will be!

How to Prepare Quick and Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delicious casserole! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting dinner on the table in no time.

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key for even cooking, so don’t skip this step! While it warms up, you can start prepping the other ingredients.

Brown the Ground Beef

Next, grab a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef along with the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Wow, the smell of sautéing veggies and beef is just heavenly! Cook everything until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, which usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Be sure to break up the beef as it cooks so you get nice, even pieces. Once it’s all cooked through, drain any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy casserole!

Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring it all together! In the same skillet, add your uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because you want the rice to soak up some of that delicious broth and flavors. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice starts to look plump and the mixture is bubbling gently.

Transfer and Bake

Once everything is combined and simmered, carefully transfer the mixture into a baking dish. You can use a 9×13-inch dish, or whatever you have on hand! Now, let’s get to the best part—sprinkling that shredded cheese on top. I mean, who can resist melted cheese? Cover it generously and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; the golden, gooey cheese is a sure sign that it’s ready! Just let it cool for a few minutes before digging in, so you don’t burn your mouth on that deliciousness.

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving of this quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole:

• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so they’re not set in stone. Feel free to adjust things to suit your dietary needs or preferences! The beauty of cooking at home is that you can make it just right for you and your family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a quick and easy meal that comes together in just about 45 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights!
• The hearty combination of ground beef, rice, and cheese creates a filling dish that satisfies even the biggest appetites.
• One pot, one baking dish—minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax!
• It’s super customizable; you can easily add in your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
• This casserole is a comforting classic that brings warmth to your table, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
• Leftovers? Yes, please! It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy the deliciousness all over again the next day.

Tips for Success

Want to make this quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole even better? I’ve got some pro tips that will elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce grease and make it a bit healthier. You could even swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option!
• Go for Brown Rice: For a bit of extra nutrition, try using brown rice instead of white. Just keep in mind that it might need a little more liquid and a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly!
• Spice It Up: Don’t be shy with the spices! A dash of paprika or some Italian seasoning can add a lovely depth of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat!
• Cheese Choices: While I love cheddar, don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack adds a nice kick, or you could use mozzarella for that extra stretch!
• Mix-In Ideas: Get creative with your mix-ins! Chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach can make this casserole heartier and more colorful. Just sauté them with the beef for the best flavor.
• Let It Rest: After baking, give the casserole a few minutes to rest before serving. This helps everything set up nicely, making it easier to scoop out those perfect servings.
• Make It Ahead: If you’re short on time, prepare the casserole ahead of time! You can assemble it in advance, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. Just increase the baking time slightly if it’s going in cold.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a casserole pro in no time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Variations

Don’t be afraid to mix things up with this quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole! Here are some fun variations to keep things exciting:

• Veggie Packed: Add in a variety of vegetables to boost the nutrition! Consider throwing in some chopped carrots, green beans, or even spinach—just sauté them with the beef for a few minutes.
• Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. You could also swap the ground beef for spicy sausage for an extra flavor punch!
• Cheesy Delight: Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper jack adds a nice spicy twist, while mozzarella gives that gooey, stretchy texture. You could even mix several types for a cheesy masterpiece!
• Herb Infusion: Fresh or dried herbs can elevate the flavor profile significantly. Try adding Italian seasoning, oregano, or even a bit of fresh basil to give your casserole a refreshing twist.
• Southwestern Flair: For a southwestern kick, mix in black beans, corn, and some taco seasoning. Top it off with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime after baking for a fresh finish.
• Breakfast Casserole: Why not turn it into a breakfast dish? Add scrambled eggs and some cooked bacon or sausage into the mix for a hearty breakfast bake that’s perfect for brunch!
• Low-Carb Version: For a lighter, low-carb option, swap the rice for cauliflower rice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as cauliflower cooks faster than regular rice.

These variations are just a starting point! Feel free to get creative and make this casserole your own. The beauty of cooking is that you can adapt and change recipes to fit your taste, so have fun with it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole stores beautifully, so you can enjoy that comforting goodness even after the first serving. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:

First off, let the casserole cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make everything soggy. Once it’s cooled, you can transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. I recommend using a glass dish with a lid for easy reheating later on. You can also keep it in the original baking dish if you cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

This casserole stays good in the fridge for about 3–4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just portion it out and place it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just remember to label your containers with the date, so you know when to enjoy them!

When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is a breeze. For the best results, I suggest using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), then cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual portions. Just pop it in for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through. Make sure it’s hot all the way to the center!

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can relish every last bite of your delicious casserole. Enjoy!

Quick and Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole for Cozy Nights

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• Autor: Julia marin
• Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
• Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
• Ernährung: Glutenfrei

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Beschreibung

This quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole is perfect for a comforting dinner.

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Zutaten

Skala 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Anweisungen

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
3. Drain excess fat and add rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes until rice absorbs some liquid.
5. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and cover with cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
• Use low-sodium beef broth for a healthier option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
• Kategorie: Casserole
• Methode: Baking
• Küche: American

Ernährung

• Portionsgröße: 1 serving
• Kalorien: 450
• Zucker: 3g
• Natrium: 600mg
• Fett: 20g
• Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
• Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Kohlenhydrate: 45g
• Faser: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterin: 70mg

Keywords: quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole for a comforting dinner