Rice And Hamburger Casserole
A hearty casserole combining savory hamburger, tender rice, and creamy soups, enhanced with soy sauce and caramelized onion, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring the rice to a boil, then let it simmer until tender.
- Brown the hamburger and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add the precooked celery and its water to the hamburger mixture.
- Stir in the cream of chicken or celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
- Mix in the optional mushrooms if desired.
- Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish, cover, and bake at 350°F for approximately 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic or bell peppers with the onion. If you’re out of cream of mushroom soup, a homemade béchamel sauce or a can of cream of celery can work as substitutes. To reduce cooking time, use pre-cooked rice. You can also enhance the dish with spices like paprika or Italian seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve with garlic bread on the side. You can also top it with shredded cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy finish, reminiscent of dishes like Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, covering the dish to retain moisture, heating in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice And Hamburger Casserole contains roughly 1027 calories, with 31g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (157% of the Daily Value), protein (61% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2968mg per serving (129% 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 regular rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for regular rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice generally requires a longer cooking time, so make sure to follow the package instructions to ensure it's fully cooked.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I add to make this dish more nutritious?
To boost the nutrition of this casserole, consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even frozen peas. These can be stirred in with the other ingredients before baking, adding both flavor and nutrition without altering the overall dish.
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).