Veggie Hamburger Rice Skillet
A hearty veggie hamburger rice skillet combining ground beef, flavorful vegetables, and cheesy goodness, perfect for a quick, satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked instant rice ⓘ
- 16 oz. frozen broccoli, carrots, water chestnuts, and red peppers ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz. can condensed cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and chopped onion.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add water, uncooked instant rice, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, and seasoned salt to the skillet. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 6 to 8 minutes or until rice and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in condensed cream of chicken soup and tomato sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated and of desired consistency.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the mixture, cover the skillet, and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce when mixing in the water and seasonings. If you're short on ground beef, substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter option. Frozen mixed vegetables can be swapped with fresh veggies, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. This recipe is reminiscent of American recipes that combine hearty ingredients for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Veggie Hamburger Rice Skillet with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten the dish. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with a side of Easy Overnight Casserole for a filling family dinner. This recipe also works great as a potluck dish, as it can easily be doubled.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or broth when reheating. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Veggie Hamburger Rice Skillet contains roughly 1071 calories, with 50g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (100% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 instant rice?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, about 30-40 minutes, and you'll need to increase the water to about 1 1/2 cups. Keep an eye on the veggies to ensure they don't overcook.
What can I do if I don't have cream of chicken soup?
You can make a simple homemade substitute by mixing together 1 cup of milk with 2 tablespoons of flour and a little chicken broth for flavor. Alternatively, a can of cream of mushroom soup works well too, or you can use a dairy-free version to accommodate dietary preferences.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, incorporate some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when mixing in the other ingredients. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar for a zesty kick. Experimenting with spices, like cayenne or red pepper flakes, can also elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
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).