- Ground Beef: The main protein. Browning it before baking adds richness and depth.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Uncooked! It absorbs all the savory broth and bakes up perfectly tender.
- French Onion Soup: Adds deep, caramelized onion flavor—absolutely key to that comfort food taste.
- Beef Consommé: Intensifies the beefy flavor and helps the rice cook through.
- Unsalted Butter: Sliced into pats and dotted on top, it melts into everything for a silky, rich texture.
- Chopped Chives: Optional, but great for a pop of color and a little fresh, oniony zing.
Variations
Want to make it your own? Here are a few easy tweaks:
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Add Veggies: Stir in a handful of frozen peas, diced carrots, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Swap the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well in place of beef.
- Spice It Up: A dash of Worcestershire, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes can add a flavor punch.
How to Make Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink—about 8-10 minutes. Drain any extra fat.
Step 2: Assemble the Layers
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the cooked beef evenly. Sprinkle the uncooked rice right on top.
Step 3: Add the Broths
Pour the French onion soup and beef consommé over the beef and rice. Give it a gentle stir so the rice is mostly submerged and spread evenly.
Step 4: Dot with Butter
Lay the pats of butter evenly over the top. This adds that buttery, rich flavor and helps the rice cook evenly.
Step 5: Bake Covered, Then Uncovered
Cover tightly with foil and bake at 425°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking another 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the top has a golden, slightly crisp finish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped chives (if using), let it sit for a few minutes to settle, and then dig in!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use High-Quality Broths: The flavor of the casserole depends heavily on the soups—choose good ones!
- Don’t Over-Stir: Just a gentle mix after adding the liquids is enough. Stirring too much can lead to uneven cooking.
- Even Butter Distribution: Try to cover as much of the surface as you can with the butter pats to keep everything moist.
- Rest Before Serving: Give it 5–10 minutes after baking before scooping—this helps everything set and become even more flavorful.
How to Serve
This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with:
Fresh Sides:
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness.
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli add a bit of crunch and color.
Extras:
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast to scoop up every last bit of that buttery rice.
- A dollop of sour cream or drizzle of hot sauce on top adds a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavor deepens overnight, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
Yes, this freezes beautifully. Let the casserole cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave for individual portions or in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it looks dry.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and might need extra liquid. You’ll also want to increase the baking time accordingly.
Do I have to cook the rice beforehand?
Nope! The beauty of this dish is that the rice cooks right in the broth, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it in the morning, refrigerate it covered, and bake it when you’re ready for dinner. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in the oven cold.
What can I use instead of beef consommé?
If you can’t find beef consommé, use regular beef broth or stock, preferably low-sodium. The flavor will be slightly milder but still tasty.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a no-hassle, cozy dinner that pleases everyone at the table, this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole hits the mark. It’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor—everything you want in a one-pan meal. So next time you’re short on time but craving something hearty, give this recipe a try. You’ll be glad you did!
Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty, no-fuss casserole made with ground beef, rice, and savory soups, topped with buttery goodness—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, sliced into pats
- 2 tbsp chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Spread cooked beef in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle uncooked rice over the top.
- Pour French onion soup and beef consommé over the beef and rice. Gently stir to evenly distribute.
- Dot the top with pats of butter.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 30 minutes until rice is tender and top is golden and slightly crisp.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes, then garnish with chopped chives if using. Serve warm.
