Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting, one-dish wonder packed with rich beef flavor and buttery, tender rice. This no-fuss recipe transforms basic ingredients into a hearty family favorite.
Ideal for busy weeknights, this casserole comes together quickly and bakes to golden perfection with minimal prep. Just layer, bake, and enjoy warm, savory satisfaction in every bite.
What You’ll Need for This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Ground beef – The star protein, offering a savory, meaty base that soaks up all the casserole’s rich flavors.
- Long-grain white rice – Stays fluffy and absorbs the broth beautifully, making the dish hearty and satisfying.
- French onion soup – Adds deep, caramelized onion sweetness and complexity without extra prep.
- Beef consomme – Intensifies the beefy richness and adds a silky, umami depth to every spoonful.
- Unsalted butter – Melts into the rice, creating a luscious, buttery texture and irresistible flavor.
How to Make It: Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole, Step by Step
Brown the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked, then drain off any excess grease.
Layer the beef in a greased 9×13 baking dish, followed by the uncooked rice, French onion soup, and beef consomme. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
Dot the top of the mixture with sliced pats of butter, then cover tightly with foil.
Bake at 425°F for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for another 30 minutes until the rice is fluffy and tender.
Fluff the casserole with a fork and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh chives for a pop of color.
Tips & Flavor Twists for Casserole Perfection
For an extra layer of savory richness, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking. Adding sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers can bring additional texture and earthy notes. To make it spicy, mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce with the liquids.
Want to lighten it up? Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and use low-sodium soup options to keep things balanced. This recipe is also easy to double for large gatherings or meal prepping purposes.
Leftovers? Here’s How to Keep It Delicious
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through. The rice maintains its texture well and soaks up even more flavor overnight.
To freeze, cool the casserole completely, wrap tightly in foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Hamburger & Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- ½ cup 1 stick / 113 g unsalted butter, cut into pats
- 2 cans 10.5 ounces each French onion soup
- 2 cups 370 g long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 pound ground beef
- chopped chives for garnish (optional)
- 2 cans 10.5 ounces each beef consomme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Place the ground beef in a medium skillet set over medium heat and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 8–10 minutes; drain the excess grease.
- Transfer the browned beef into the prepared baking dish. Distribute the uncooked rice evenly over the meat, then pour in the French onion soup and beef consomme. Stir the mixture thoroughly to blend.
- Arrange the butter pats over the top of the mixture.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven; continue baking uncovered for another 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Gently fluff the rice before serving and garnish with chopped chives, if desired.
