Hot Hamburger And Rice Casserole
A comforting casserole combining seasoned ground beef, flavorful tomatoes, fluffy rice, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it offers a hearty, cheesy, and mildly spicy dish that satisfies cravings for a warm, filling meal with a savory kick and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the lean hamburger and chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions and drain.
- Add the cooked rice, drained Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chilies, and sour cream to the beef and onion mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Spread grated Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground sausage. You can also substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar for a sharper taste. If you prefer a milder dish, use diced tomatoes without green chilies. Make sure to drain the Ro-Tel tomatoes well to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with warm crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. For a fun twist, consider offering a side of Church Baked Beans for a heartwarming touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 2 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Hamburger And Rice Casserole contains roughly 535 calories, with 18g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1501mg per serving (65% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as instructed.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative. It will provide a similar creaminess and tang. Alternatively, you could also use cream cheese, but it may result in a denser texture.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. It’s a great option for meal prep!
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).