Hamburger & Rice Casserole
This Hamburger & Rice Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy evenings or relaxed weekend dinners. Made with everyday pantry ingredients like ground beef, rice, creamy soup, and melted cheese, it’s hearty, flavorful, and easy on the budget. It’s also a great make-ahead option, freezes well, and is always a hit with both kids and adults.
Few dishes are as comforting as a homemade casserole. Warm, filling, and packed with familiar flavors, this recipe has been a favorite at family tables for years. The combination of tender beef, fluffy rice, creamy mushroom soup, sweet corn, and gooey cheese creates a satisfying one-pot meal that’s as simple as it is delicious.
Whether you’re new to cooking or have years of experience, this recipe comes together with minimal effort and delivers dependable results every time. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or sharing at potlucks, and it’s sure to earn a permanent place in your recipe collection.
Hamburger & Rice Casserole
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Sweet onion | 1 small | Diced |
| Lean ground beef | 1 pound | |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Garlic powder | 2 teaspoons | |
| Dried thyme leaves | 1/2 teaspoon | Not ground |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 2 1/2 cups | |
| Long-grain white rice | 1 1/2 cups | Rinsed |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 (10.5 oz) can | |
| Corn | 2 cups frozen or 1 can | Drained if canned |
| Mexican blend cheese | 2–3 cups | Shredded |
Instructions
Sauté the Onion
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the olive oil and diced onion, cooking until softened and translucent.
Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until it is mostly browned.
Season the Mixture
Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Add the Broth and Rice
Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Sprinkle the rinsed rice evenly over the beef mixture without stirring, making sure the rice is covered by the liquid.
Top with the Soup
Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the rice and gently spread it into an even layer. Leave the layers undisturbed.
Pressure Cook
Turn off Sauté mode, secure the lid, and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
Release the Pressure
When the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to Venting. Wait until the pressure has fully released before opening the lid.
Finish the Casserole
Stir in the corn, then gradually mix in the shredded cheese, adding one cup at a time until melted and creamy. Let the casserole rest uncovered for a few minutes before serving hot.
