Hamburger And Rice Casserole
A hearty casserole combining savory ground beef, fragrant herbs, and tender rice topped with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it offers comforting flavors with a tomato-based sauce and a cheesy crust. Easy to prepare and satisfying for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add garlic, onion flakes, basil flakes, and mushrooms to olive oil; mix well.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 30 minutes.
- Brown crumbled hamburger.
- Add beaten eggs to cooled cooked rice.
- Combine hamburger and rice mixture with the tomato sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2- or 3-quart casserole dish.
- Add salt to taste (optional).
- Bake at 325°F for 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also mix in vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. If you prefer a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to use leftover rice or even quinoa as a base.
Serving Suggestions
This Hamburger and Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. For a fun twist, consider offering toppings like sour cream or hot sauce for guests to customize their servings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger And Rice Casserole contains roughly 1561 calories, with 13g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 139g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 855mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked rice instead of cooked rice?
Using uncooked rice is not recommended as it requires more liquid and cooking time. If you want to use uncooked rice, add extra liquid and adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through properly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this Hamburger and Rice Casserole vegetarian, simply replace the hamburger with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. You can also enhance the flavor by adding more herbs and spices.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).