Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, a perfect dish for any family dinner. This heartwarming casserole combines ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked rice under a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. Follow this easy recipe to create a savory meal that is sure to become a new favorite in your home.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- ½ cup long grain white rice
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s ready for baking your casserole.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s evenly browned. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Make sure to break apart the meat with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease. Add the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with their juice, and the uncooked rice to the skillet. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Bake the casserole: Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning and ensure even cooking.
- Baking Time: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. The rice should be tender, and the liquid mostly absorbed by this time.
- Add the Cheese: Once the casserole has baked, carefully remove it from the oven and take off the aluminum foil. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is starting to turn golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: After removing the casserole from the oven, allow it to sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. This makes serving easier and allows the flavors to meld together even more.
- Garnish (Optional): For an added touch of color and freshness, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Easy Eats
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is not only easy to make but is also incredibly satisfying. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Leftovers (if any) can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated, making for delightful meals throughout the week. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures that make this dish a true comfort food classic. Happy cooking! So try out this recipe and impress your family and friends with this delicious casserole.
Conclusion
In addition to being a delicious meal option, this casserole is also budget-friendly and easy to make in large batches for feeding a crowd. It can also be customized to fit dietary restrictions or preferences, such as using ground turkey instead of beef or using a gluten-free cream soup. The possibilities are endless with this versatile casserole recipe. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how tasty and satisfying it can be? Happy cooking! Some other potential additions to this dish could be diced bell peppers, corn, or even black beans for added flavor and texture. You can also switch up the type of cheese used, such as using cheddar or a blend of different cheeses. Get creative and make this casserole your own! And don’t forget to share your variations on social media and spread the joy of this delicious recipe with others. Happy cooking!