Hamburger Microwave Dish
A hearty microwave hamburger dish with rice, mushrooms, and savory tomato sauce, perfect for quick family dinners or busy weeknights craving comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a baking dish, put hamburger with diced onions.
- Microwave for 7 minutes.
- Add water, tomato sauce, salt, rice, mushrooms, and pepper to the dish.
- Cook, uncovered, for 25 minutes.
- Stir every 8 minutes during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the diced onions before adding them to the hamburger, which enhances their sweetness. You can also substitute the rice with quinoa or couscous for a different texture. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or chili powder. This dish can also be made using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, making it a versatile choice among American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Hamburger Microwave Dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with Plantation Soda Crackers on the side for a crunchy contrast. For a heartier meal, consider offering garlic bread or a slice of cornbread alongside it.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish in a covered container for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also add a splash of water to keep it moist upon reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Microwave Dish contains roughly 209 calories, with 10g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (157% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2128mg per serving (93% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time, so be prepared to increase it to about 35-45 minutes in the microwave, checking for doneness periodically.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or even a jar of marinara sauce as a substitute. Just keep in mind that using marinara will add additional seasonings, which may enhance the flavor of the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of microwaving, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to a day. When you're ready to cook, simply microwave it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).