Hamburger Rice Casserole

Ingredients for Hamburger Rice Casserole

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• Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the beef, providing a foundation of flavor.
• Ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base and becomes the primary protein in the beef and rice casserole.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor while also balancing the richness of the beef.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a subtle pungency, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Dried oregano: Adds an earthy, herbaceous note that complements the beef and tomatoes.
• Uncooked instant rice: Soaks up the flavors from the broth and tomatoes, creating a tender and flavorful starch element.
• Reduced-sodium beef broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to cook the rice. Use store-bought beef broth or make your own.
• Crushed tomatoes: Canned tomatoes provide acidity and sweetness, balancing the savory flavors while adding moisture to help cook the rice.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Condensed soup contributes creaminess and a savory flavor, thickening the casserole’s sauce. Substitute cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom to switch up the creamy base with a new flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami-rich complexity, enhancing the overall savory depth of the dish.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts into the casserole, adding creamy richness and irresistible stretch.
• Chopped dill pickle and mustard: Two tangy ingredients punctuate the dish with briny contrast that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the beef, season and add rice

Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes

In a medium Dutch oven or nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook until beef is browned and onions are tender, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the minced garlic, oregano, salt and pepper; cook one minute longer. Stir in rice, broth, crushed tomatoes with juice, cream of mushroom soup and Worcestershire sauce until well-combined.

Step 2: Cook the rice and add toppings

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Cover and cook over low heat until the rice is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in 1/2 cup cheddar, pickles and mustard. Top with remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Cover; let cheese melt five minutes. Serve immediately.

Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes

Hamburger Rice Casserole Variations 

• Swap out the ground beef: For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a milder flavor and a lower fat content.
• Add vegetables: Saute diced bell peppers, mushrooms, corn kernels or diced zucchini along with the onion to give the finished casserole more texture, nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Add minced jalapeños, a drained can of hatch green chile or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the casserole a kick.
• Swap the cheese: Replace cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

How to Store Hamburger Rice Casserole

To store leftover hamburger rice casserole, transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How do you reheat hamburger rice casserole?

When ready to reheat, microwave individual portions or warm the casserole in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Tips

Jonathan Melendez for Taste Recipes

What type of rice works best for hamburger rice casserole?

We call for instant rice in this hamburger casserole with rice. Instant rice is just regular rice that has been par-cooked and then dried so it cooks considerably more quickly than regular rice. That’s why it’s one of our favorite shortcut ingredients to help get dinner on the table fast. Here are some ideas for ways to use it, or to use up the rest of the box!

Can you use regular rice for this recipe?

No, we wouldn’t recommend adding another type of rice to this recipe. It will likely need more liquid and more time to soften adequately.

What’s the best type of instant rice?

There are microwave containers of instant rice, boil-in-a-bag packets and dry par-cooked grains often sold in a box. The Taste Recipes Test Kitchen tried several types side by side, including jasmine and brown rice options, and picked a few favorites. Check out the full rice report.