Hamburger Rice Pie
A savory casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, rice, and melted American cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking hearty, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, salt, pepper, and half of the tomato sauce.
- Spread the mixture in a greased 10-inch pie pan, forming a shell.
- Top with cooked rice, remaining tomato sauce, and grated American cheese.
- Bake until heated through and cheese is melted (baking time not specified).
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. If you don’t have American cheese, any melty cheese like cheddar or mozzarella can work well. To make it heartier, feel free to add cooked vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. This dish can also be made using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hamburger Rice Pie warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve with a side of Citrus Slices for a refreshing contrast. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family dinners, as it can easily feed a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the whole pie in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Rice Pie contains roughly 457 calories, with 17g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (121% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2515mg per serving (109% 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 substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe. Just make sure it is fully cooked before adding it to the pie. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra nutrients, making this dish even heartier and more nutritious.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground chuck with a combination of cooked lentils, beans, or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh. You can also add more vegetables to enhance the texture and flavor, making it a delightful option for vegetarian recipes.
What can I do if I don't have tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato puree. Simply blend canned tomatoes with a bit of salt and herbs to mimic the sauce. Ketchup can also serve as a last-minute substitute, though it will add sweetness.
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).