Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yields: 6-8 servings
Skill Level: Easy
Author: [Your Website/Blog Name]

The One-Pan Wonder Your Weeknights Need

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, there’s a special place for those dependable, no-fuss recipes that feel like a warm hug at the end of a long day. This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is exactly that—a timeless, comforting dish that has been feeding families for generations. It’s the culinary equivalent of your favorite cozy sweater: familiar, reliable, and deeply satisfying.

This casserole is a masterpiece of simplicity. It transforms a handful of humble, pantry-staple ingredients into a complete, hearty meal that bubbles away in a single dish, filling your kitchen with an irresistible, savory aroma. The magic lies in its effortless harmony: savory ground beef, tender rice, and a trio of creamy, condensed soups meld together in the oven, creating a rich and comforting sauce. Topped with a final layer of melted cheese, it emerges as a bubbling, golden-brown pan of pure comfort. It’s the perfect answer to the question, “What’s for dinner?” on a busy weeknight, and it’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

One-Dish Simplicity: From stovetop browning to oven baking, everything comes together in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax.
Pantry Powerhouse: Built on ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned soups, this is a recipe you can often make without a special trip to the grocery store.
Feeds a Crowd: This casserole is generously sized, making it perfect for a family dinner, potlucks, or for having leftovers for lunch the next day.
Endlessly Adaptable: It’s a fantastic template for using up leftover vegetables or adding your own personal twist.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 pounds lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 works well)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Creamy Sauce & Rice:

1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup*
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed tomato soup
2 cups beef broth or water**
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked (like Jasmine or Basmati)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra umami)

For the Topping:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Optional garnish: Fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions

*For a different flavor profile, you can use two cans of cream of mushroom soup or one cream of mushroom and one cheddar cheese soup.
**Using beef broth instead of water will give the casserole a richer, deeper flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

A large, oven-safe skillet or a 9×13 inch baking dish
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

Preheat and Sauté: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In your large oven-safe skillet (or a regular skillet if using a separate baking dish), heat the tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it becomes softened and translucent.
Add the Garlic and Beef: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with your wooden spoon. Season with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cook Thoroughly: Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the ground beef is fully browned and no pink remains. If there is a significant amount of excess grease, carefully drain it off. This step is important to prevent the final casserole from being too oily.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce

Combine Soup and Liquids: In a large bowl or a 4-cup liquid measuring cup, whisk together the three cans of condensed soup (cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, and tomato soup) until smooth. This ensures there are no lumps.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Whisk in the 2 cups of beef broth (or water), Worcestershire sauce, and optional soy sauce. The mixture will be thin; this is normal and correct, as the rice will absorb the liquid as it bakes.
Incorporate the Rice: Stir in the 1 ½ cups of uncooked white rice, ensuring all the grains are coated in the liquid mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Combine in the Pan: If you used an oven-safe skillet, simply pour the soup, broth, and rice mixture directly over the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Stir everything together until the beef and rice are evenly distributed.
Transfer to a Dish (if needed): If you used a regular skillet, transfer the beef mixture into your greased 9×13 inch baking dish, then pour the soup and rice mixture over the top and stir to combine.
Smooth the Top: Use your spatula to smooth the top into an even layer.
First Layer of Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire surface.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover and Bake: Cover the skillet or baking dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. This is a critical step, as it traps the steam necessary to properly cook the rice.
Bake: Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Uncover and Finish: After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. The rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and the edges are lightly browned.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let it Set: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial. It allows the residual heat to finish cooking the rice perfectly and lets the sauce thicken up, resulting in a much better texture than if you serve it immediately.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Scoop directly from the pan onto plates and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal in one, but it pairs wonderfully with:

A Fresh Side: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed green beans to balance the richness.
Bread for Dipping: A slice of crusty garlic bread or a warm dinner roll is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the savory sauce.
A Bright Vegetable: Roasted broccoli or glazed carrots make excellent and colorful side dishes.

Customization Ideas

This recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Feel free to make it your own!

Add Vegetables: Stir in 1-2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, corn, and carrots) or fresh chopped mushrooms along with the soup mixture.
Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef.
Kick Up the Heat: Add a diced jalapeño with the onions or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture.
Different Cheese: Try a Monterey Jack and cheddar blend or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a different flavor.
Creamier Version: For an extra-rich casserole, stir ½ cup of sour cream into the hot casserole right before adding the final layer of cheese.

Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving based on 8 servings)

Calories: 485 kcal
Total Carbohydrates: 39g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 30g
Total Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 1150mg

*Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the specific brands of ingredients used, the leanness of the ground beef, and the type of condensed soup. Values calculated using 90/10 ground beef and low-sodium broth where possible.*