There’s something undeniably comforting about casseroles, isn’t there? They bring back memories of cozy family dinners and warm kitchens filled with delicious aromas. My quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole has become a staple in my meal rotation because it checks all the boxes for a comforting dinner: it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and oh-so-satisfying! On those busy weeknights when I need a wholesome meal that the whole family will enjoy, this dish is my go-to. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can come together to create such a hearty meal. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your choice, but I love cheddar!)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
How to Prepare the Quick and Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want that casserole to bake evenly and come out perfectly bubbly.
- While that’s heating up, grab a large skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, stirring until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Wow, the smell is going to be amazing!
- Next, drain any excess fat from the skillet. You want your casserole to be hearty, not greasy!
- Now, it’s time to add the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes (don’t drain them!), salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring it all to a gentle simmer.
- Once simmering, transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and pop it back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation means you can whip this up in no time, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty ingredients like ground beef and rice make it a filling meal that satisfies hunger.
- Comforting flavors come together beautifully, bringing warmth to your dinner table.
- Easy baking method ensures you can set it and forget it while you focus on other things.
Tips for Success
To ensure your quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly; this adds depth of flavor that makes a big difference. Don’t skimp on draining the fat—it keeps the casserole from becoming too greasy. If you’re using brown rice instead of white, just remember to increase the cooking time and use a bit more broth since brown rice takes longer to cook. Also, feel free to get creative with your seasoning; adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh herbs can elevate the dish. And finally, let it rest before serving! This little step helps everything meld together beautifully, making each bite even more satisfying.
Variations
There are so many fun ways to customize your quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole! For a veggie boost, try adding chopped bell peppers, corn, or even spinach—these not only add color but also extra nutrition. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works beautifully in place of ground beef. You could also experiment with spices; adding some smoked paprika or chili powder can give it a delightful kick! Feeling adventurous? Swap out the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re short on time. Just add a splash of broth to keep it moist!
Nutritional Information
This quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole is not just delicious but also offers a satisfying nutritional profile! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately 400 calories, 20g of fat, and 25g of protein. You’ll also get about 35g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. It’s a comforting and balanced meal that you can feel good about serving your family!
FAQ Section
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the baking time and add a bit more broth to ensure it cooks through.
What can I substitute for ground beef? If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works wonderfully! You can also try using plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.
Can I add more vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini. They’ll add flavor, color, and nutrients.
How do I know when the casserole is done? You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Let it rest a few minutes before serving for the best results!
Can this dish be made ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just assemble everything, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake!
Z nadrukami
Quick and Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole for Comforting Nights
- Całkowity Czas: 55 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
This quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole makes a comforting dinner option for any night.
Składniki
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instrukcje
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Uwagi
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 40 minutes
- Kategoria: Dinner
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 400
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 35g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole, comforting dinner, easy casserole recipe
