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Budget Friendly Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Budget Friendly Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Quick and Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole delivers pure comfort straight from your kitchen to the dinner table. Grab your skillet and get ready to create a classic meal that brings smiles and satisfaction with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves garlic

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Heat your oven to precisely 350°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish for your casserole.
  2. Brown 1 pound ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes, breaking meat into small crumbles.
  3. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the beef, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent.
  4. Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture using a colander.
  5. Return skillet to stovetop and mix in 1 cup uncooked rice, 2 cups beef broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
  6. Stir ingredients thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed and liquid is absorbed slightly.
  7. Transfer entire skillet contents into your prepared baking dish, spreading mixture into an even layer.
  8. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for exactly 25 minutes.
  9. Remove foil and sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese across the top of the casserole.
  10. Return uncovered dish to oven and bake for additional 10 minutes until cheese melts completely.
  11. Remove from oven and let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to make the casserole lighter and more diet-friendly.
  • For extra veggie power, mix in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or frozen mixed vegetables before baking.
  • Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to your meal.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese mix for varied flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Casseroles
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg