If you're looking for a simple, hearty, and comforting meal, this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Packed with tender ground beef, flavorful rice, and savory French onion soup and beef consomme, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or a family dinner, this dish is quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from the table!
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)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a medium skillet, I brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, which takes about 8-10 minutes. I drain any excess grease to keep it from being too greasy.
I layer the cooked ground beef evenly in the prepared baking dish. Then, I top it with the uncooked rice.
Next, I pour the French onion soup and beef consomme over the rice and beef layers, giving everything a gentle stir to combine it.
I distribute the pats of butter evenly over the top of the rice mixture, ensuring the rice will cook up rich and flavorful.
I cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 30 minutes. After that, I remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
If desired, I garnish the casserole with chopped chives before serving to add a touch of color and flavor.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
Ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner version, I can swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Cheese: I can sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy, golden crust.
Vegetables: I like to add frozen peas or corn for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
Spicy kick: A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can spice things up if I prefer a bit of heat in my casserole.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, I place it in the microwave or back in the oven at 350°F until it's warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes in the oven. If I want to keep it moist, I cover it with foil while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice?
I don’t recommend using instant rice in this recipe, as it might not cook properly and may result in a different texture.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! I let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
What can I use if I don’t have beef consomme?
If I don’t have beef consomme, I can substitute it with beef broth or stock. The flavor may be slightly lighter, but it will still work wonderfully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking. Just be sure to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How can I add more flavor to this casserole?
I like to add herbs such as thyme or rosemary for more flavor. A splash of Worcestershire sauce also adds depth to the savory notes.
Conclusion
This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is one of those recipes that will quickly become a staple in my household. It's so simple to make, but the flavors are rich and satisfying. I love how versatile it is, letting me experiment with different ingredients and variations to suit my tastes. Whether I’m feeding my family on a busy night or making a dish for a casual gathering, this casserole never disappoints.
Recipe:
Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal made with ground beef, flavorful rice, French onion soup, and beef consomme. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s an effortless one-pan dish that delivers savory flavors and tender rice. With simple ingredients and quick prep, this casserole is a guaranteed family favorite!
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Brown the ground beef in a medium skillet over medium heat, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Layer the cooked beef evenly in the baking dish, then top with uncooked rice.
- Pour the French onion soup and beef consomme over the beef and rice layers. Stir gently to combine.
- Place pats of butter evenly on top of the mixture.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Garnish with chopped chives before serving, if desired.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Freezing: Casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Substitutes: Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef. Beef broth or stock can substitute beef consomme.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
