Hamburger Casserole

6 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 50 m Total: 1 h 5 m Beginner
This dish is a great budget stretcher with layers of rice, ground beef, tomatoes, and corn all baked together in one dish. Great one-pot dishes such as this one are family favorites and are great for potlucks.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup packed rice
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped onion
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped bell pepper
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1/2 cup (8 tbsp) butter or margarine, cut into small cubes
  • breadcrumbs for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 2 quart (8x8) casserole dish. Spread the rice in an even layer on the bottom of the dish.
  2. Mix the flour, chili powder, salt and pepper. Sprinkle 1/3 of the mixture over rice and dot the rice with butter.
  3. Mix the ground beef with the onion and pepper and spread on top, following with another 1/3 of the flour mixture and butter.
  4. Make a layer of the tomatoes (including the liquid) and then sprinkle the final 1/3 mixture of the flour and butter.
  5. Spread the corn on top and dot with butter. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over top.
  6. Cover and bake in 350°F oven for 45 to 50 minutes until rice is tender and beef is cooked through.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Do I need to cook the rice before assembling the casserole?

A: No, the rice goes in dry and cooks in the casserole as it bakes. The liquid from the tomatoes provides moisture for the rice to cook properly.

Q: Can I use cooked ground beef instead of raw?

A: While you can use pre-cooked beef, the raw beef releases juices as it cooks that add flavor and moisture to the rice. If using cooked beef, you may need to add a bit of beef broth.

Tips and Techniques

Make sure to use regular long-grain rice, not instant rice. The rice needs the full baking time to cook properly. Don’t skip covering the casserole during baking or the top will dry out before the rice is tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • ground beef: ground turkey or ground chicken
  • butter: margarine or olive oil
  • diced tomatoes: crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce with a splash of water

Equipment Needed

  • 2-quart (8x8 inch) casserole dish with lid or aluminum foil for covering
  • mixing bowl