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This hamburger rice casserole is the kind of easy family dinner that never goes out of style. Made with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, cream of mushroom soup, mixed vegetables, sour cream, and two kinds of melty cheese, it’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s one of those old-fashioned ground beef casseroles that always reminds me of the kind of dinners that showed up at church potlucks and family gatherings growing up.
Everything comes together in a single skillet before being baked until hot and bubbly, making this a simple meal that’s easy to prep ahead and even easier to love. It’s one of those classic ground beef casseroles that always disappears fast at the dinner table.
If you love easy family casseroles, be sure to try my Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole, Cowboy Casserole, Dorito Casserole, and Baked Ziti with Ground Beef next. Looking for more comforting dinner ideas? Browse my full Ground Beef Recipes collection for even more family favorites.
Before You Begin
✨ Use long-grain white rice. Regular long-grain rice works best in this recipe. Instant rice cooks too quickly and won’t give the same texture.
✨ Thaw the vegetables first. This helps keep the cooking time consistent and prevents excess moisture from thinning the casserole.
✨ Taste before baking. Once the rice is tender on the stovetop, give the mixture a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before transferring it to the baking dish.
✨ Shred your own cheese if possible. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
✨ Let it rest before serving. A 5-10 minute rest allows the casserole to set up slightly and makes serving much easier.
Hamburger Rice Casserole Ingredients
Ground Beef: I prefer 80/20 ground beef because it stays flavorful and juicy. Drain any excess grease after cooking.
Onion and Garlic: These build the savory foundation of the casserole and add plenty of flavor to the beef mixture.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a subtle herb flavor that complements the beef and creamy sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: Gives the casserole extra depth and richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is what gives hamburger rice casserole its classic creamy texture. Cream of chicken soup can be substituted if preferred.
Beef Broth: Helps cook the rice while adding even more savory beef flavor.
Long-Grain White Rice: Regular long-grain rice works best. Avoid instant rice for this recipe.
Mixed Vegetables: A convenient way to add color, texture, and extra nutrition.
Sour Cream: Adds richness and a slight tang that balances the creamy sauce.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: The combination creates a gooey, cheesy topping with plenty of flavor and great meltability.
🥣 How To Make Hamburger Rice Casserole
Brown the beef. Cook the ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onion has softened. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant, then drain any excess grease.
Build the creamy rice mixture. Add the Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and uncooked rice. Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Finish the filling. Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Stir in the thawed mixed vegetables and sour cream until evenly combined. The mixture should be creamy and thick but still easy to stir.
Assemble the casserole. Transfer the beef and rice mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake until bubbly. Bake uncovered until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is completely melted and lightly golden around the edges.
Rest and serve. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, then sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy.
⭐ Pro Tips
⭐ Use a large pot. The rice expands considerably as it cooks, so a Dutch oven or deep skillet makes stirring much easier.
⭐ Cook the rice completely before baking. The oven’s job is to heat the casserole and melt the cheese, not finish cooking the rice. Tender rice ensures the best texture.
⭐ Keep extra broth handy. Different brands of rice absorb liquid differently. If the mixture looks dry before the rice is fully cooked, stir in additional broth ¼ cup at a time.
⭐ Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce. It adds a rich, savory depth that makes the casserole taste like it cooked all day.
⭐ Freshly shredded cheese melts better. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from becoming as smooth and gooey.
⭐ Let the casserole rest before serving. A short resting time allows the filling to thicken slightly and makes cleaner servings possible.
⭐ Make it extra cheesy. For a cheesier casserole, stir an additional cup of shredded cheddar directly into the beef and rice mixture before baking.
💡 Recipe Variations
Extra Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: Stir an additional 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the beef and rice mixture before transferring it to the baking dish.
Cream of Chicken Version: Replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a slightly lighter flavor that’s just as delicious.
Southwest Style: Add a can of drained Rotel tomatoes, swap the mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and garnish with sliced green onions.
Broccoli Cheddar Version: Replace the mixed vegetables with 3 cups of small broccoli florets and use all cheddar cheese for a classic flavor combination.
Mushroom Lover’s Version: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions for even more rich mushroom flavor.
Storing + Reheating + Freezing + Make-Ahead
Storing: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: For individual portions, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. For larger portions, cover the casserole with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes, or until hot throughout. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of beef broth before reheating.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole through the step of transferring the filling to the baking dish, but wait to add the cheese. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, sprinkle with cheese and bake as directed, adding 10–15 minutes to the baking time if starting cold from the refrigerator.
What to Serve with Hamburger Rice Casserole
This hearty hamburger rice casserole is practically a complete meal on its own, but a simple side dish or fresh salad makes it even better.
Coleslaw: The cool, crunchy texture of KFC Coleslaw or Pineapple Coleslaw balances the rich, cheesy casserole perfectly.
Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad: Light, bright flavors help cut through the richness of the casserole and make the meal feel complete.
Roasted Broccoli: Simple roasted broccoli adds color, texture, and a healthy vegetable side that’s always a family favorite.
Southern Green Beans: Tender green beans bring classic comfort-food flavor and pair naturally with ground beef casseroles.
Tennessee Onions: Sweet onions baked with butter and cheese make an irresistible side dish for anyone who loves hearty comfort food.
Paula Deen Corn Casserole: If you’re feeding a crowd, another classic comfort-food casserole turns this into the ultimate potluck-style meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
◆ Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely! Cream of chicken soup is one of the most popular substitutions for hamburger rice casserole and works beautifully in this recipe.
◆ Can I use instant rice?
I don’t recommend it. Instant rice cooks much faster than regular long-grain rice and can become mushy by the time the casserole is baked.
◆ Why is my rice still crunchy?
The most common reason is that the rice needed more liquid or additional cooking time on the stovetop. If needed, add extra broth ¼ cup at a time and continue cooking until the rice is tender before assembling the casserole.
◆ Can I make hamburger rice casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
◆ Can I freeze hamburger rice casserole?
Yes. For best results, bake the casserole first, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Still have questions? Drop them in the comments — I love helping you cook with confidence! 💗
More Easy Ground Beef Casseroles
John Wayne Casserole — Layers of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, cheese, and a biscuit crust make this hearty casserole a longtime family favorite.
Johnny Marzetti Casserole — A comforting baked pasta casserole loaded with ground beef, tomato sauce, noodles, and plenty of cheese.
Sloppy Joe Casserole — Everything you love about classic sloppy joes baked into an easy, cheesy family-friendly casserole.
Runza Casserole — Ground beef, cabbage, cheese, and a buttery crust combine for a comforting Midwestern classic.
Mexican Tater Tot Casserole — Crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, cheese, and Tex-Mex flavors make this an easy weeknight winner.
Cattle Drive Casserole — A hearty layered casserole with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, cheese, and a biscuit topping that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how your hamburger rice casserole turned out! Leave a comment and star rating below to let me know what you think.
Did you make any of the recipe variations? Try cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom, add extra cheese, or toss in your favorite vegetables? Tell me about it in the comments!
And if you snapped a photo, be sure to tag me on Instagram at @gonna_want_seconds so I can see your delicious creation.
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Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen
Hamburger Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 (10.75-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth, plus extra if needed
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Spray a 9X13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef (1 pound), salt (1/2 teaspoon), black pepper (1/2 teaspoon), and onion (1/2 cup) over medium heat, crumbling the beef as it cooks, until there is no pink left in the beef, and the onions have softened, about 10 minutes.
- Add minced garlic (4 cloves) and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove and discard excess grease from the pan.
- Stir in Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons), Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon), cream of mushroom soup (2 cans), beef broth (2 cups), and rice (1 cup). Stir until combined. Over high heat, bring mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce heat and simmer, covered, until rice is tender, about 25-35 minutes. **If at this time the rice isn't the texture you like, add broth or water, 1/4 cup at a time, as need. (May not be needed).
- Remove pan from heat and let sit about 10 minutes. Stir in mixed vegetables (12 ounces) and sour cream (1/2 cup).
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle top with both cheeses and bake, uncovered, for 20-25, or until heated through and cheese is melted
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley (2 tablespoons). Serve.
Fans Also Made:
Notes
- Taste For Seasoning: Make sure to sample the rice and beef mixture while cooking on the stove, and before placing it in the oven. Once the rice is just cooked, it is ready for assembly and baking. Time will vary depending upon heat and type of pan.
- Thawing: Make sure the veggies are thawed so the temperature of the beef mixture is not affected too much. The temperature of the mixture will determine the cooking time.
- Baking Dish: Use a 9x13 baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Clean-up will be quick and easy.
- Oven Rack: Place the dish in the middle rack of the oven. This will ensure even cookin
Ooh I didn’t have frozen veggies so I used half can of peas and half corn after rinsing them.
Hi, Stacy! That’s a good idea 🙂
I’ve made this three times now and love it! So meaty and satisfying, and tasty!
Yaaay! Thanks, Donna 🙂 I’m so glad you like this!
Just cooked this recipe and COULD NOT get the rice to cook. What did I do wrong?
Followed the recipe exactly as shown.
Hey James. Sorry about that. It could be the level of heat while simmering. I’ve updated the recipe with a little more broth.