Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hamburger rice casserole that brings together savory ground beef and fluffy rice in one delectable dish.

Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, this casserole promises a satisfying meal for hungry families.

The creamy texture and rich seasonings make every bite a pure delight.

Weeknight dinners become effortless with this streamlined recipe that combines protein and grains in a single pan.

Melted cheese adds a golden, irresistible layer that transforms this casserole into a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Affordable and easy to prepare, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when only hearty, warming comfort food will do.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty protein that forms the savory base of the casserole, choose lean cuts for a healthier option.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to balance the meaty flavors, select firm and smooth onions with no soft spots.
• Bell Pepper: Provides crisp texture and vibrant color, pick bright and firm peppers with smooth skin.
• Garlic: Delivers robust and aromatic flavor, use fresh cloves for the most intense taste.

• Beef Broth: Creates moisture and enhances the overall savory profile, opt for low-sodium varieties for better control of salt content.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creamy richness and helps bind ingredients, choose a quality brand for better flavor.
• Milk: Softens the texture and adds subtle creaminess, whole milk provides the best consistency.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces tangy and complex flavor depth, a few drops can transform the entire dish.

• Paprika: Contributes warm, slightly sweet undertones and beautiful color, use Hungarian paprika for deeper flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste, freshly ground black pepper offers superior aroma.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, creamy finish, shred your own cheese for best melting quality.
• Parsley: Optional fresh garnish that adds bright color and subtle herbal note, chop finely before sprinkling.

Tools To Cook Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and sautéing vegetables with even heat distribution.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for assembling and baking the entire casserole, providing ample space for ingredients.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed to combine rice, broth, and other liquid ingredients smoothly.
• Aluminum Foil: Crucial for covering the casserole during initial baking, trapping moisture and ensuring rice cooks properly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring beef mixture and mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.
• Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if you're grating your own cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded.

Steps To Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce Smooth

• Brown the Beef Blend

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet with onions and bell peppers until meat turns golden and veggies soften. Toss in garlic and cook briefly, then drain any extra fat.

• Create Creamy Rice Base

Mix uncooked rice with beef broth, mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything blends smoothly.

• Layer and Combine

Pour beef mixture into a greased baking dish. Gently spread the rice blend over the meat, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover dish with foil and slide into a 375F oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid disappears.

• Cheese Finale

Remove foil and shower casserole with shredded cheddar. Return to oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts into a bubbly golden blanket.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let casserole rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired, then dive into this comforting one-dish wonder.

Flavor Boosts For Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce

• Rice Rescue Technique: Pat the uncooked rice gently with a paper towel before adding to the mixture to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly fluffy texture every time.
• Low-Carb Magic Swap: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the delicious flavor profile of the original recipe.
• Protein Power Boost: Experiment with ground turkey or lean ground chicken as alternative protein sources to create a lighter, healthier version of the classic casserole.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to make the dish completely lactose-free while keeping its creamy, comforting essence.
• Spice Lover's Remix: Add a kick by incorporating diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to elevate the flavor and give the casserole an exciting zesty twist.

Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce Hot And Cheesy

• Hearty Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this comforting casserole for a satisfying weeknight dinner that brings everyone together.
• Fresh Garden Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad topped with cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes to add brightness and balance the rich casserole flavors.
• Protein Power Plate: Complement the dish with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus spears for extra nutrition and a delightful vegetable crunch.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and complete the meal with a carb-loving touch.

Store Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken And Rigatoni In Parmesan Sauce Smartly

• Fridge Life Hack: Transfer leftover casserole into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated portions stay delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion casserole into individual servings, wrap tightly with freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen meals maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Thaw refrigerated casserole overnight in the fridge. Warm portions in microwave at 50% power, stirring midway to ensure even heating. Add splash of beef broth to restore moisture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare entire casserole ahead of time. Cover unbaked dish with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Remove wrapping and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time.

Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty hamburger rice casserole combines ground beef, rice, and creamy cheese in a comfort-packed one-dish meal. Simple ingredients create a satisfying dinner perfect for family gatherings and quick weeknight meals you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (200 g) uncooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 300 g) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onions, bell peppers, and garlic until vegetables are translucent. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
3. Liquid Infusion: Combine uncooked rice, beef broth, mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk until ingredients are fully integrated.
4. Assembly: Pour beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, then spread the rice-broth mixture evenly over the meat. Gently mix layers to ensure uniform flavor distribution.
5. Initial Baking: Cover dish completely with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
6. Cheese Finale: Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.
7. Serving: Let casserole rest for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for maximum flavor and comfort.

Notes

• Select High-Quality Meat: Choose lean ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for optimal flavor and moisture without excessive grease.
• Prevent Rice Clumping: Rinse uncooked rice before mixing to remove excess starch and ensure separate, fluffy grains throughout the casserole.
• Customize Vegetable Mix: Swap bell peppers with zucchini or carrots for different nutritional profiles and unique flavor variations to suit dietary preferences.
• Enhance Cheese Layer: Experiment with cheese blend like mixing cheddar with monterey jack or adding parmesan for deeper, more complex cheese flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg