Sarah Brown
A hamburger rice casserole is a hearty, savoury meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The dish is made with ground beef, rice, and cream of mushroom soup, and can be baked in the oven or cooked on the stovetop. This simple recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences and can be made ahead of time and frozen for a quick and convenient meal. To amp up this classic casserole, you can add extra vegetables, spices, or cheese, and even substitute the beef for other proteins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Ground beef, rice, cream of mushroom soup |
| Additional Ingredients | Butter, onion, garlic, beef broth, milk, sour cream, cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper |
| Optional Ingredients | Celery, tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, frozen peas, spinach, beef/chicken bouillon, basil, garlic powder, sriracha Doritos, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, noodles, breadcrumbs, parsley, chow mein noodles |
| Nutrition (per serving) | Calories: 480kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 33g, Fat: 28g, Saturated Fat: 17g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 116mg, Sodium: 1085mg, Potassium: 650mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 714IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 354mg, Iron: 3mg |
| Storage | Can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months |
| Cooking Time | 50-60 minutes at 350°F |
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What You'll Learn
Amp up the flavour with spices and herbs
Spices and herbs are essential to boosting the flavour of your hamburger rice mushroom casserole. The great thing about this dish is that it's versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ways to amp up the flavour:
Italian Seasoning:
A blend of Italian herbs and spices, such as basil, can be added to the ground beef while it cooks. This seasoning blend adds a depth of flavour that complements the other ingredients in the casserole.
Garlic Powder:
Adding garlic powder is a great way to incorporate the flavour of garlic without having to use fresh garlic cloves. It adds a savoury and slightly spicy kick to the dish.
Basil:
Fresh or dried basil leaves can be added to the casserole. Basil has a sweet and slightly peppery flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients. It adds a touch of freshness to the dish.
Worcestershire Sauce:
A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce can be added while cooking the ground beef or mixed into the final casserole. It has a unique savoury flavour with a hint of tanginess and sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Soy Sauce:
Soy sauce is a great way to add a savoury, umami flavour to the casserole. It can be used in place of salt to season the dish and give it a unique flavour boost.
Onion Powder:
If you're not a fan of chopping onions or want to add a more subtle onion flavour, onion powder is a great option. It blends seamlessly into the casserole, adding savoury notes that enhance the other ingredients.
Red Wine:
For a more sophisticated flavour profile, consider adding a splash of red wine to the casserole. It contributes a depth of flavour and a slightly fruity note that complements the meat and mushrooms.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your perfect flavour profile. Remember, the key to amping up the flavour is to find a balance that suits your taste preferences and enhances the overall dining experience.
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Use a variety of cheeses
Cheeses are a great way to amp up your hamburger rice mushroom casserole. You can use a variety of cheeses to add depth of flavour and texture to your dish.
A simple way to incorporate cheese into your casserole is by sprinkling shredded cheese on top. You can use shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or any other melty cheese such as American cheese. For extra cheesiness, you can also mix half of the cheese into the casserole before baking and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your preferred flavour profile. For example, you can use a Colby/Monterey Jack cheese mix, or a combination of mozzarella, extra sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some pepper jack cheese to the top and broil it for an extra cheesy and slightly spicy kick.
Additionally, consider using whole milk mozzarella, as it can amp up the taste even further. You can also try adding some crushed corn flakes on top of the cheese for an extra crunchy texture.
By incorporating a variety of cheeses into your hamburger rice mushroom casserole, you can create a dish that is not only visually appealing but also tantalizes the taste buds with a combination of creamy, salty, and tangy flavours.
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Add extra vegetables
If you want to add extra vegetables to your hamburger rice mushroom casserole, there are several options to choose from. You can boost the vegetable content by adding diced mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, sweet corn, frozen peas, spinach, or greens. You can also add some diced onion and green peppers. If you're looking for a simple side dish, a salad or roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans can be a great addition.
When adding extra vegetables, simply stir them into the mixture before baking. If you're adding diced onion and green peppers, add them when you cook the beef. You can also sauté chopped onion with olive oil in a deep pan skillet for 2-3 minutes over medium heat before adding the ground beef.
- Diced mushrooms: You can dice and add extra mushrooms to the casserole, giving it an even heartier texture and a more intense mushroom flavor.
- Bell peppers: Adding bell peppers, whether diced or in larger pieces, can provide a sweet and crunchy element to the dish.
- Carrots: Carrots can be diced or sliced and added to the casserole, offering a slightly sweet and crunchy texture.
- Sweet corn: Sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
- Frozen peas: Frozen peas are a great option to add a bright color and a subtle sweetness to the casserole.
- Spinach or other greens: Spinach or other leafy greens can be chopped and added to boost the nutritional value and provide a savory flavor.
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Try different types of meat
If you're looking to amp up your hamburger rice mushroom casserole, why not experiment with different types of meat? Here are some ideas to get you started:
Ground Beef
Ground beef is a classic choice for this casserole and can be easily found at most grocery stores. Look for ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20, for a juicier and more savory dish. Before adding the beef to the casserole, be sure to brown it in a skillet over medium-high heat, crumbling it as it cooks. Drain any excess grease before mixing with the other ingredients.
Ground Turkey or Chicken
For a leaner option, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef. These alternatives will provide a similar texture while reducing the amount of fat in the dish. Season the ground turkey or chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Shredded Chicken
If you're looking for a way to boost the protein content of your casserole, try adding shredded chicken to the rice along with the beef. This combination will create a heartier dish that is sure to satisfy hungry appetites.
Sausage
For an extra savory twist, include some ground sausage in your casserole. The addition of sausage will amplify the meaty flavor and give your dish a unique, robust character. Just make sure to use a high-quality sausage with plenty of spices to elevate the overall taste.
Bacon
Another option to enhance the flavor is to add bacon to your hamburger rice mushroom casserole. You can chop it up and cook it along with the ground beef, or sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top of the casserole as a garnish.
By experimenting with different types of meat, you can create a variety of flavor profiles and textures in your hamburger rice mushroom casserole. Don't be afraid to mix and match or try something new!
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Experiment with toppings
Toppings can make or break a casserole. They can add a whole new dimension of flavour and texture to your dish. Here are some topping ideas to amp up your hamburger rice mushroom casserole:
Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese can make your casserole even more decadent and indulgent. You can use a variety of cheeses such as American cheese, mozzarella, Colby/Monterey Jack cheese mix, cheddar, or provolone cheese. For a more intense flavour, try pepper jack cheese.
Vegetables: Boost the vegetable content of your casserole by adding diced mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, sweet corn, frozen peas, or greens like spinach. Not only will this add colour and texture to your dish, but it will also increase its nutritional value.
Crunchy Garnishes: For a crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole, try toppings such as chow mein noodles, crushed corn flakes, or even French's Fried Onions. Breadcrumbs can also add a nice crispy texture.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavour of your casserole. Try adding basil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, curry powder, or slivered almonds. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can also add a savoury umami boost.
Nuts: For a unique twist, consider adding nuts to your casserole. Pine nuts, for example, can provide a tasty texture and flavour contrast.
Chips: Instead of using potato chips as a side dish, crush them up and use them as a topping. This will add a crunchy and savoury element to your casserole.
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Frequently asked questions
To amp up the flavor of your hamburger rice mushroom casserole, you can add ingredients like garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, basil, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or celery. You can also try adding extra cream of mushroom soup, or using whole milk instead of water.
Cheeses that pair well with hamburger rice mushroom casserole include cheddar, mozzarella, Colby/Monterey Jack, American cheese, and provolone.
Yes, you can add vegetables to your hamburger rice mushroom casserole. Some options include mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, sweet corn, frozen peas, spinach, or celery.
