There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a home-cooked meal, and let me tell you, this *quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole* is the ultimate comfort dish! Picture this: savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and tangy tomatoes all baked together in one cozy dish. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a hug after a long day and brings the whole family together around the table. What I love most about this casserole is how simple it is to throw together—perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a staple in your home, and your loved ones will be begging for seconds! So, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious casserole. I promise, it’s all super straightforward and easy to find!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to get creative with the cheese or add some spices you love! This dish is a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch.
How to Prepare the Quick and Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting masterpiece! It’s simple, and I’ll guide you through each part so you can enjoy every delicious bite.
Preheat the Oven
First off, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step, as it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly. Trust me, you don’t want to rush this part!
Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your pound of ground beef. Let it sizzle away until it’s nice and browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor, so don’t skip it! You’ll also want to toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper while the beef is browning; they’ll get soft and fragrant, adding even more deliciousness to the mix.
Combine Ingredients
Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir it all together to let those flavors mingle! Next, add in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with their juice!), and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to ensure the rice is coated and the ingredients are well combined. You want each bite to be bursting with flavor!
Transfer to Baking Dish
Now it’s time to transfer your hearty mixture into a baking dish. A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly here. Spread the mixture out evenly so it bakes up nicely. I always find it helps to use a spatula to make sure it’s nice and flat.
Bake the Casserole
Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for about 30 minutes. This helps the rice cook through and soak up all that lovely broth. After the 30 minutes are up, you can check for doneness by taking a peek to see if the rice is tender. If it’s looking good, remove the foil and get ready for the cheesy topping!
Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Sprinkle that glorious cup of shredded cheese over the top of your casserole. I mean, who doesn’t love melted cheese? Return it to the oven uncovered for another 10 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt beautifully and get that lovely golden color. Yum!
Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes before digging in. This little break helps everything settle, and you won’t burn your tongue! Scoop it out and serve it up warm—you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty ingredients that will keep everyone satisfied and full.
- Comforting, warm flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals.
- Family-friendly—everyone will want to come back for seconds!
- One-dish wonder means less cleanup and more time enjoying the meal.
Trust me, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your household!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for our *quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole*. Keep in mind that these are estimates based on standard ingredients and can vary depending on specific brands or any modifications you make. But here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
This casserole is not only delicious but also packed with protein and hearty goodness to keep you satisfied. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to ensure your *quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole* turns out perfectly every time!
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Brown the Meat Well: Don’t rush the browning process! Getting a nice sear on the beef adds incredible depth of flavor to the dish.
- Try Brown Rice: For a healthier twist, swap out white rice for brown rice. Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to elevate the flavor. A dash of chili powder or Italian seasoning can bring a delightful zing!
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared a day ahead. Just assemble it, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of pepper jack can add a unique twist.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this comforting dish and impressing everyone around your dinner table!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some common questions about this *quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole* to help you out! Let’s dive in!
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed!
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Easy peasy!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything in advance, assemble it in your baking dish, and cover it tightly. Just pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I add for extra flavor?
There are so many ways to amp up the flavor! Try adding some chopped jalapeños for a kick, or mix in spices like cumin or paprika. Tossing in some frozen mixed vegetables is also a great way to sneak in extra nutrition!
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking! Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and it’ll be good for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. You’ll have a comforting meal ready to go!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your *quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole* is super easy! After you’ve enjoyed your delicious meal, let the casserole cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to seal it well to keep that comforting flavor intact!
When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of options. If you’re using the microwave, scoop out a portion into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely (to prevent splattering), and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Stir in between for even heating!
If you prefer to use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to keep it from drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s hot all the way through. This method helps retain that lovely texture. Yum!
Whichever method you choose, you’re set for another comforting meal that’s just as satisfying as the first time around!
Imprimer
Quick and Hearty Hamburger Rice Casserole for Dinner Delight
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Calories
Description
A quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole for a comforting dinner.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and bell pepper.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, top with cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use brown rice for a healthier option.
- Top with fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 40 minutes
- Catégorie: Dinner
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 6g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: quick and hearty hamburger rice casserole, comforting dinner, easy casserole, beef rice dish
