Looking for a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in? Look no further than this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole recipe. Packed with hearty flavors and comforting ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious meal that will leave everyone satisfied.
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)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Brown the ground beef in a medium skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Layer the cooked ground beef in the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the uncooked rice.
- Pour the French onion soup and beef consomme over the rice and beef layers. Stir gently to combine.
- Distribute the slices of butter evenly over the top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Garnish with chopped chives before serving, if desired.
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can mix in some minced garlic or diced onions while browning the ground beef.
- Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or frozen peas, to the casserole before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a fantastic dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its simple preparation and delicious flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just feeding yourself, this comforting casserole is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
- Yes, you can definitely substitute brown rice for white rice in this casserole. However, keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time and more liquid than white rice. You may need to adjust the cooking time and possibly add a bit more liquid (such as additional beef consomme or water) to ensure that the rice cooks properly and doesn’t turn out too dry. Additionally, the texture and flavor of the casserole may vary slightly with brown rice, but it will still be delicious and nutritious.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to step 6 (covering the dish with aluminum foil), then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. When you’re ready to cook the casserole, preheat the oven and bake it according to the recipe instructions. Keep in mind that you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator. Leftovers of this casserole also reheat well, so it’s a great dish for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
- Can I freeze this casserole for later use?
- Yes, this casserole can be frozen for later use. After baking the casserole according to the recipe instructions and allowing it to cool completely, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole in an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. Make sure to label the container with the date and contents for easy identification. When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen casserole, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture of the rice may be slightly different after freezing and reheating, but the flavor should still be delicious.
- What can I serve with this casserole to make it a complete meal?
- While this casserole is hearty and flavorful on its own, you can certainly serve it with additional side dishes to round out the meal. Some popular options include a simple green salad, steamed vegetables (such as broccoli or green beans), garlic bread or dinner rolls, and a fruit salad or sliced fresh fruit for dessert. You can also customize the casserole by adding your favorite vegetables directly to the dish before baking, such as diced bell peppers, peas, carrots, or mushrooms. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!