A true family favorite, this hot and simple hamburger rice casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It only has three ingredients plus seasoning and comes together as fast as you can cook rice. Ground beef, tomatoes, and rice are all you need to pull this dish together and get it on the table fast.

Hot And Simple Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe in a cast iron skiller on a wooden board with utensils and a rust colored napkin

We have been making this dish in my family for as long as I can remember, it is the perfect combination of simple ingredients. It is a great recipe for an easy dinner any night of the week.

Oh, ground beef, tomatoes, and rice,
You are a delicious meal.
You fill my stomach and make me feel nice,
And I always eat you with zeal.

You are so easy to make,
Just throw everything in a pan.
And then you’re ready to eat,
In just a matter of minutes, man.

So thank you, ground beef, tomatoes, and rice,

For being such a tasty treat.

You are my favorite food,

And I will always eat you, repeat.

Why We Love Ground Beef In Casseroles

ground beef cooking in a cast iron skillet

There are many reasons why we love ground beef in casseroles. Here are a few:

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including casseroles.
It is a relatively inexpensive protein, making it a budget-friendly option for many families.
Ground beef is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc.
It has a hearty, satisfying flavor that pairs well with other ingredients in casseroles.
It is easy to cook and can be prepared in a variety of ways, making it a convenient option for busy families.
It is a filling and satisfying dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
It is a comfort food that many people enjoy, especially during the winter months.

Overall, ground beef is a popular ingredient in casseroles because it is versatile, affordable, nutritious, and delicious.

Variations Of Ingredients

My version of this casserole is simple and has been tested over years – white rice, tomatoes, and ground beef but there are many other ingredients you could try.

A dash of soy sauce
Beef Broth (or beef stock)
Cooked Brown Rice, Minute Rice, or Instant Rice
Ground Turkey
Ground Sausage
Sour Cream
Top with Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, or Parmesan Cheese
Chow Mein Noodles
Cooked Wild Rice
Cream Cheese
Seasonings such as chili powder, cumin, cayenne, or garlic powder
Small onion

Ingredients For Hot And Simple Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

1. 1 cup of uncooked regular long grain rice

copper 1 cup measuring cup with rice on a wooden board

2. 1 pound ground beef

3. 1 15-ounce can of low-sodium tomato sauce

birds eye view of tomato products in a can to make hot and simple hamburger rice casserole recipe

4. 1 15-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes

5. Salt and Black Pepper to taste

seasonings on a wood board for hot and simple hamburger rice casserole recipe

6. 1/2 tsp dried basil

7. 1/2 tsp dried oregano

8. 1/4 tsp onion powder

Notes: You can add or omit any seasonings that you like. I use about 1/4 tsp of salt and pepper – but you can adjust those amounts.

– Part of how I keep my dinner-making simple is by keeping cooked meats portioned out in the freezer. For this recipe, I used a one-pound bag of cooked ground beef.

frozen pound of ground beef in a cast iron skillet

– The seasonings listed above can be substituted with Italian seasonings blend.

Instructions On How To Make Hot And Simple Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Follow this easy step-by-step guide to make this hot and simple hamburger rice casserole recipe.

1. Ground Beef – In a large skillet brown ground beef over medium heat to medium-high heat until brown and cooked through. Drain the excess grease and return the pan to the stove. Season with salt and pepper.

salt and pepper shakers hoover above ground beef in a skillet

2. Add both cans of tomato products to the ground beef and let warm up. Add in the rest of the seasonings.

hot and simple hamburger rice casserole recipe in a cast iron skillet with a spoon

3. Meanwhile, wash and cook rice according to the package directions.

rice on top of ground beef and tomatoes in a cast iron skillet

4. The last step is to add the rice to the beef and tomato mixture, season, and enjoy!

hot and simple hamburger rice casserole recipe in a cast iron skillet

Notes:

If using cooked frozen ground beef, warm it up in the skillet over medium-low heat with a lid. Then add tomato products.
I prefer Jasmine rice, rinsed a couple of times. It has a wonderful taste and texture that is perfect for this dish. It cooks 1 cup of uncooked rice to 1 1/2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Salt and butter the water.

If making ahead – place the recipe into a 4-quart casserole dish and cover. Heat in the oven on low (about 200 degrees).
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

What To Serve With Hot And Simple Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

plate with hot and simple hamburger rice casserole recipe, brussel sprouts and toast with utensils

This hamburger rice hot dish recipe can be served alongside any vegetable, salad, or roll. Our classic plate includes Brussel sprouts and buttered toast. Or try some of these…

Green beans
Green bean casserole
Artisan dinner rolls
Brussels sprouts
French bread
Artichokes
Kohlrabi
Garlic bread
Cottage Cheese
Peas
Creamed peas and potatoes
Garden Salad
Red Cabbage Slaw
Fruit plate
Seasonal squash
Corn on the cob
Rutabaga (A family favorite!)

Wrapping Up Hot And Simple Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Having a few simple recipes in your repertoire like this ground beef rice casserole makes dinner time a breeze. It is hearty but not too rich, and simply delicious as a main dish. It is a complete meal that the whole family can enjoy even on those busy weeknights.

plate with hot and simple hamburger rice casserole recipe, brussel sprouts and toast with a bite on a fork

This is a very special dish to me so let me know what you think! And please share this recipe with family and friends.

Cheers,

Sarah