Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole – A Simple & Hearty Comfort Meal

When you need a quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal, this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the answer. With just a handful of simple ingredients—ground beef, rice, French onion soup, beef consommé, and butter—you can create a dish that’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make.

This casserole is the perfect go-to for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep and zero fancy ingredients. Everything bakes together in one dish, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy a delicious, hearty meal with your family.

Let’s get started and make this savory, beefy, buttery casserole!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Only 6 Ingredients – No complicated grocery lists!
✔️ One Dish Meal – Easy prep and cleanup.
✔️ Rich & Flavorful – French onion soup and beef consommé add deep, savory goodness.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Makes fantastic leftovers!
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground beef – Adds hearty, beefy flavor.
• 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked – Absorbs all the delicious broth.
• 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) French onion soup – Adds a rich, deep onion flavor.
• 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) beef consommé – Infuses the rice with a savory beef taste.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, sliced into pats – Melts into the casserole for added richness.
• Chopped chives (optional) – For garnish and a pop of freshness.

💡 Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of garlic powder, black pepper, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before you start assembling the casserole, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). This ensures even baking and a perfectly cooked dish.

• Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a glass or ceramic dish for even heat distribution and the best texture!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

• In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and no longer pink.
• Drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.

💡 Shortcut Tip: Want to save time? You can cook the beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use!

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Now comes the easiest part—assembling the casserole!

• Spread the cooked ground beef evenly in the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle the uncooked rice over the beef, spreading it evenly.

💡 No need to pre-cook the rice! It will absorb all the flavorful liquid while baking, making it soft and fluffy

Step 4: Add the Broth & Butter

• Pour the French onion soup and beef consommé evenly over the rice and beef layers.
• Stir gently to ensure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid.
• Arrange the slices of butter evenly over the top.

💡 Why use butter? It adds richness and helps the rice develop a soft, buttery texture!

Now that we’ve layered the ground beef, rice, and rich broth, it’s time to bake this casserole to perfection. As it cooks, the rice will absorb all the savory flavors from the French onion soup and beef consommé, while the butter melts into every bite, creating a dish that’s warm, cozy, and full of flavor.

Let’s get baking!

Step 5: Bake the Casserole Covered

• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the moisture inside.
• Place the casserole in the preheated 425°F (218°C) oven.
• Bake for 30 minutes to allow the rice to begin absorbing the liquid and softening.

💡 Why Cover the Dish? The foil helps keep the moisture in, ensuring the rice cooks evenly without drying out.

Step 6: Bake Uncovered for the Perfect Texture

• After 30 minutes, remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven.
• Bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
• The top should look golden, and the liquid should be fully absorbed.

💡 How to Know It’s Done: The rice should be soft but not mushy, and the top should have a light, buttery crispness.

Step 7: Let It Rest & Garnish

Once the casserole is baked:

• Remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
• Sprinkle chopped chives (optional) on top for a fresh, mild onion flavor.

💡 Want Extra Flavor? Try topping with grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for added crunch!

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Now, it’s time to dig in! Serve this warm, savory Hamburger Rice Casserole as a standalone dish or alongside your favorite sides.

Best Side Dishes to Serve With It:

🍞 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up any extra broth.
🥗 Side Salad – A fresh contrast to the rich, buttery rice.
🥦 Steamed Veggies – Broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots make great pairings.

💡 Leftovers? Don’t worry—this dish reheats beautifully!

Now that our Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is out of the oven—perfectly tender, buttery, and full of rich, savory flavor—let’s talk about storing leftovers, reheating without drying out the rice, and fun ways to customize this dish!

Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or looking for ways to switch things up, this final section will help you get the most out of this delicious and easy casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I store leftovers?

This casserole stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers!

✔️ Refrigerate: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔️ Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

💡 Pro Tip: Store leftovers in single-serving portions for easy reheating!

2. How do I reheat without drying out the rice?

Since rice can dry out when reheated, follow these steps for the best texture:

✔️ Oven: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
✔️ Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth, and cover loosely with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally.
✔️ Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little butter or broth, stirring frequently.

💡 Avoid microwaving uncovered, as this can cause the rice to dry out.

3. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes! While long-grain white rice is traditional, you can try:

✔️ Brown Rice: Adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber but may require 10-15 extra minutes of baking time.
✔️ Jasmine or Basmati Rice: Works well and adds a slight aroma variation.
✔️ Minute Rice: If using instant rice, reduce the liquid and baking time accordingly.

💡 Not recommended: Short-grain or sushi rice, as they become too sticky for this dish.

4. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make it crockpot-friendly, follow these steps:

1️⃣ Brown the ground beef and drain excess grease.
2️⃣ Add all ingredients (including the uncooked rice) to the slow cooker.
3️⃣ Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the rice is tender.

💡 Check the rice occasionally to prevent overcooking!

5. What are some fun variations?

This casserole is incredibly versatile, so feel free to mix things up!

✔️ Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole – Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese before baking for a creamy, cheesy texture.
✔️ Spicy Version – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat!
✔️ Mushroom & Beef Casserole – Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
✔️ Vegetable-Packed – Toss in peas, carrots, or green beans for added nutrition.
✔️ Taco-Inspired – Use taco seasoning instead of salt & pepper, and top with sour cream and salsa!

💡 Love crispy toppings? Add French-fried onions or crushed Ritz crackers on top before baking!

Final Thoughts & Serving Suggestions

This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a must-try for busy weeknights—simple to make, packed with flavorful, buttery goodness, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it as-is or customize it with fun add-ins, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Best Side Dishes to Serve With It:

🥗 Fresh Green Salad – A crisp, light contrast to the rich casserole.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
🥖 Buttery Dinner Rolls – Perfect for scooping up every last bite!

I hope you love this easy, cozy, and flavorful casserole! Let me know how you customized it or if you have a favorite twist on this classic dish.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite! 🍽️🔥

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