A Comforting Classic the Whole Family Will Love

When it comes to hearty, budget-friendly meals that bring comfort to your dinner table, few recipes can compete with this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole. This dish has been a beloved staple in kitchens for generations — a recipe passed around at potlucks, shared between friends, and loved by busy parents everywhere. It’s one of those meals that checks all the boxes: affordable, easy to prepare, and incredibly satisfying.

Think of it as the perfect blend of savory beef, fluffy rice, and rich, beefy broth all baked together in one dish, topped with a golden buttery finish. Each bite is pure comfort — the kind of homestyle goodness that makes everyone come back for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

Simple Ingredients – Everything in this casserole is easy to find and wallet-friendly.
No-fuss preparation – Just brown the beef, mix, and bake — that’s it!
Feeds a crowd – Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week.
Full of flavor – The combination of French onion soup and beef consommé creates a deep, savory flavor that perfectly complements the tender rice and juicy hamburger meat.
Comfort food at its best – Rich, hearty, and baked to perfection.

The Secret to Perfect Hamburger Rice Casserole 🔑

The magic of this recipe lies in the soups — French onion and beef consommé. These canned soups create a broth that seeps into the rice as it bakes, infusing every grain with rich, savory flavor. Combined with butter, it forms a sauce that’s silky and flavorful, coating the beef and rice beautifully.

Many families have their own little twists — some add mushrooms, others throw in peas or green beans for extra texture. But the classic version (like this one) is timeless and unbeatable for its simplicity and taste.

Ingredients 🧂

You’ll only need a few pantry staples to make this delicious casserole:

1 pound ground beef
2 cups (370 g) long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 cans (10.5 ounces each) French onion soup
2 cans (10.5 ounces each) beef consomme
½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, sliced into pats
Chopped chives, for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-ins:
If you’re feeling creative, try adding:

Sautéed mushrooms 🍄
Diced bell peppers 🌶️
Frozen peas or corn 🌽
A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top 🧀

Directions 👩‍🍳

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink (about 8–10 minutes). Drain off any excess grease.
Layer the cooked ground beef evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Top the beef with the uncooked rice, spreading it evenly.
Pour both cans of French onion soup and beef consomme over the beef and rice mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Distribute the slices of butter evenly over the top.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking, uncovered, for another 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
Garnish with chopped chives before serving, if desired.

Cooking Tips & Tricks 🧑‍🍳

Rice choice matters: Long-grain white rice is best because it stays fluffy and separate. Avoid instant rice — it’ll turn mushy.
Don’t skip the butter: Those buttery pats melt into the rice and soup mixture, giving the casserole a rich, comforting flavor.
Cover, then uncover: Baking covered first lets the rice absorb moisture; uncovering later allows the top to brown slightly and develop a delicious crust.
Want extra flavor? Stir in a teaspoon of garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce before baking.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a full meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with sides such as:

Steamed green beans or buttered peas
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
A fresh garden salad for balance
Or even a side of roasted carrots for extra sweetness

If you’re serving a crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in two pans. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, so leftovers are always a win.

Storage & Reheating 🍱

To store:
Let the casserole cool completely. Then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To freeze:
Transfer portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

To reheat:
Add a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep the rice moist. Microwave individual servings or reheat the whole dish covered with foil in the oven.

Variations to Try 🌟

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: Add 1–2 cups of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Tex-Mex Version: Stir in a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef before baking.
Vegetable Boost: Mix in frozen mixed vegetables or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrients and texture.
Creamy Version: Swap one can of soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a creamier consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may need more liquid. Increase baking time by about 20 minutes and add an extra ½ cup of broth.

What if I don’t have beef consomme?
You can substitute with beef broth, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich. A teaspoon of beef bouillon can help deepen it.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.

Why This Recipe is a Reader Favorite ⭐

Thousands of home cooks love this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole because it reminds them of simpler times — when comfort food didn’t require fancy ingredients or long prep times. It’s hearty, dependable, and fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma of beef, butter, and onions baking together.

It’s also kid-approved, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknights. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime.

Final Thoughts 💭

There’s something truly special about recipes like this one. It’s more than just a casserole — it’s a little taste of home. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a potluck, or craving something nostalgic after a long day, this Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Give it a try tonight, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!