Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is simple to make, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It combines the heartiness of ground beef with the creamy texture of soups, making it a delicious, all-in-one meal that requires only a single dish. The cheesy topping adds the perfect finishing touch, making it irresistible to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 onion, chopped
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1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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2 cups water
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease.
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Stir in the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
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Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
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Bake for 1 hour.
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Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
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Cheese Options: Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for different flavors.
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Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas for extra nutrition.
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Spice it Up: Include a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 15–20 minutes and add more water to ensure the rice cooks fully.
Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the casserole and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole after baking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of celery or an extra can of cream of chicken soup.
Can I add more cheese?
Feel free to mix extra cheese into the casserole or increase the amount on top for more cheesy goodness.
What if my casserole turns out too dry?
Add a splash of water or broth before reheating to restore moisture.
Can I use instant rice?
Yes, but reduce the baking time to 30–40 minutes as instant rice cooks faster.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or mushrooms, and use vegetable-based cream soups.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes, try experimenting with cream of celery, tomato soup, or even nacho cheese soup for a fun twist.
Conclusion
The Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a simple yet flavorful meal that will quickly become a family favorite. Its creamy, cheesy texture and hearty ingredients make it perfect for a comforting dinner. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or serving it to a crowd, this casserole is guaranteed to impress.
Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a delicious and comforting one-dish meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring savory ground beef, creamy soups, and a cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Ready in just 1 hour and 30 minutes, this casserole is quick, hearty, and full of flavor. Try this easy recipe today for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casseroles, Comfort Food, Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 cups water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease.
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Stir in the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
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Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
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Bake for 1 hour.
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Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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Cheese Options: Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for different flavors.
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Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas for extra nutrition.
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Spice it Up: Include a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat.