Some nights, you just need an easy, comforting meal that comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor. That’s exactly what this Hamburger & Rice Casserole delivers! It’s a hearty, budget-friendly dish packed with lean ground beef, creamy seasonings, fluffy rice, cheese, and vegetables. Everything bakes together into a savory, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, and meal prep.

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can switch up the protein, add different vegetables, or try a new cheese to make it exactly the way your family loves it. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days!

If you’re looking for a filling, family-friendly meal that’s easy to throw together, this Hamburger & Rice Casserole is exactly what you need. Just mix, bake, and enjoy—it’s that simple!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Takes just 15 minutes of prep, then the oven does the rest.
Family-Friendly: Picky eaters love its creamy, cheesy goodness!
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup means more time for you.
Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping and batch cooking.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Can be made gluten-free with substitutions

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 can (8 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp dried oregano
1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup instant rice
1 ¼ cups water
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of celery soup
⅓ cup sour cream
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup frozen mixed vegetables

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the:
- Ground beef
- Diced onion
- Minced garlic
Stir and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened (about 5-7 minutes).
Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.

3. Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cooked beef mixture
- Sliced mushrooms
- Oregano, spinach, and instant rice
- Water, condensed soup, sour cream, and mixed vegetables
Season with salt & pepper and mix well until everything is evenly distributed.

4. Assemble & Bake

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.

5. Add Cheese & Broil

Remove the foil.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Broil for about 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Scoop and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.

Storage & Freezing Tips

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Freezing

Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
Store in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with foil for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations & Substitutions

Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
Cheese Options: Substitute cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese for variety.
Add More Veggies: Try bell peppers, carrots, peas, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños for a kick.
Use Brown Rice: Replace instant rice with cooked brown rice for a healthier option.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 390 kcal
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 750mg

FAQs – Hamburger & Rice Casserole

1. Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?

Yes! However, regular rice needs to be pre-cooked before mixing it into the casserole, as the baking time is not long enough to fully cook it.

2. What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, or a homemade white sauce (flour, butter, and milk).

3. How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream of celery soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

4. Can I add potatoes to this recipe?

Yes! Diced parboiled potatoes or shredded hash browns can be mixed in for a heartier texture.

5. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything up to 24 hours in advance, store it covered in the fridge, then bake when ready.

6. How do I prevent my casserole from getting too dry?

Make sure to cover with foil while baking to retain moisture. If needed, stir in a bit of extra broth or milk before reheating.

7. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! To freeze:

Before baking: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
After baking: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

8. What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to mix in bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, broccoli, or peas for extra nutrients and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Hamburger & Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s an affordable, easy-to-make one-pan meal that saves time and makes dinner a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or simply looking for a meal-prep-friendly dish, this recipe has got you covered.

One of the best parts about this dish is its versatility. You can easily swap out the protein, adjust the vegetables, or experiment with different seasonings and cheeses to suit your taste. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time and reheating when you need a quick meal.

If you love casseroles that are hearty, cheesy, and satisfying, this Hamburger & Rice Casserole is a must-try. Give it a shot, and don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments! Whether you enjoy it as is or add your own creative spin, this dish is bound to become a household favorite.