Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Welcome to a comforting and delicious journey with this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole! This dish combines the savory flavors of ground beef, French onion soup, beef consomme, and buttery rice to create a meal that is both satisfying and simple to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole lets the oven do most of the work, allowing you to relax or take care of other tasks while it bakes to perfection. If you’re in search of a hearty dish that brings warmth to the table, this recipe is just what you need.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a delightful go-to meal for several reasons:

• Effortless Preparation: With minimal prep time, this casserole is ideal for days when you crave a home-cooked meal without the fuss.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of French onion soup and beef consomme provides a deep, satisfying taste that pairs perfectly with the tender rice and savory beef.
• Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs, making it a flexible choice for any household.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Medium skillet
• Aluminum foil
• Nonstick cooking spray

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups (370 g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) French onion soup
• 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) beef consomme
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, sliced into pats
• Chopped chives, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the grease.
3. Transfer the cooked ground beef to the prepared baking dish. Add the uncooked rice, French onion soup, and beef consomme. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Evenly distribute the pats of butter on top of the rice mixture.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and cooked through.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve, garnished with chives if desired.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the ground beef is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole to prevent any undercooked meat.
• For a richer flavor, consider browning the butter before adding it to the dish.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of meat, such as ground turkey or sausage, for a variation in flavor. You can also add vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition and color.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This casserole is a hearty meal that offers a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying option for dinner. Exact nutritional values will vary based on ingredient choices and serving sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, while long-grain white rice is recommended, you can use other rice varieties. Just note that cooking times might vary.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and bake it just before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy and delicious recipe for Hamburger Rice Casserole that is sure to become a family favorite. We hope you enjoy making and devouring this comforting dish as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your experience and any unique twists you add to the recipe. Happy cooking!