Craving a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to make? This hamburger rice casserole combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese into a dish the whole family will love. With simple steps and everyday ingredients, this recipe is the perfect solution for a hearty weeknight dinner.
What You Will Find in Our Delicious Ground Beef Casserole
This hamburger rice casserole is the perfect combination of comfort and flavour. Using lean ground beef, uncooked rice, and shredded cheese, this dish creates a hearty meal everyone will enjoy. It’s made with basic ingredients like peppers, tomato sauce, and savoury seasonings for an explosion of taste. Cooking the ground beef mixture over medium-high heat ensures the meat stays tender and juicy. The addition of shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding richness to every bite.
You can use different types of rice, such as brown rice, Jasmine rice, or parboiled ‘Conditioned’ rice, long-grain white rice, depending on your preference. This versatile dinner recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, and the whole dish can be prepared in under 45 minutes. You’ll love how the beef broth infuses the rice with extra flavour as it bakes in a preheated oven.
For a balanced meal, mix in veggies like peppers or add fresh herbs for brightness. This hamburger and rice casserole recipe is a great way to satisfy even the picky eaters in your family. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep or using up leftover rice.
Reasons to Love This Beef and Rice Casserole
This hamburger rice casserole is a go-to dinner recipe for busy families. It’s made with simple ingredients like lean ground beef, Dainty Long & Wild rice blend, and aged cheddar for a rich, satisfying dish. The combination of ground meat and crispy bacon creates layers of savoury flavour. Thanks to the medium-high heat cooking process, the meat mixture stays tender and juicy. The addition of barbecue sauce and yellow mustard gives it an irresistible tang. Plus, this rice recipe is ready in just 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and delicious meal prep option.
The recipe
One Pan Hamburger Rice Casserole
Step 1
In a large skillet, with a tight-fitting lid, over medium high heat, add the oil and bacon and cook until rendered and the bacon begins to crisp up slightly, about 5 minutes. Add in the onion and continue cooking until the onions are translucent. Add the ground beef and continue to cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
Step 2
Stir in the rice and mix together. Pour in the water, barbecue sauce, and mustard and bring to a simmer. Season gently with salt and pepper. Cover and turn the heat to low. Allow to cook for 15 minutes and then turn off the heat. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes more covered.
Step 3
Meanwhile, preheat the broiler to high. When the rice is finished, sprinkle the cheese over the top and place under the broiler. Allow the cheese to bubble, melt, and colour. Remove and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot.
Perfect Sides for Hamburger Rice Bake
A hearty hamburger rice casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. For a fresh contrast, serve it with a simple green salad topped with fresh herbs and a light vinaigrette. Steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers add colour and balance to the rich flavour of the casserole. If you want something heartier, consider warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices from the ground beef and rice mixture. For a tangy option, coleslaw provides crunch and cuts through the richness. Each of these sides enhances the hamburger casserole with rice, making your meal both satisfying and balanced.
Storage Tips for Cheesy Beef and Rice Bake
Storing your cheesy beef and rice bake properly ensures it stays fresh and tasty. Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 4 days. To reheat, place portions in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in individual portions. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat using the same method. These tips make this dinner idea perfect for meal planning, making the most of the leftovers, and serving as a budget-friendly weeknight meal.
