Zesty Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort meals like this cheesy hamburger rice casserole bring warmth to hungry tables everywhere.

Melted cheese blankets seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice in a delightful one-pan wonder.

Weeknight dinners demand simple solutions that satisfy everyone’s appetite.

Kids absolutely love how quickly this classic comes together with minimal effort.

Hearty ingredients create a filling meal perfect for cool evenings.

Simple pantry staples ensure you can whip up this crowd-pleaser without extra shopping.

Grab a fork and dive into pure deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Hamburger & Rice: Cheesy Comfort in Every Spoonful

• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines classic ingredients like ground beef, rice, and melted cheese that children and adults both love, making dinnertime stress-free.
• Budget-Wise Deliciousness: Uses affordable pantry staples and simple ingredients, creating a filling meal without breaking the bank and delivering maximum flavor for minimal cost.
• Adaptable Weeknight Winner: Easily customizable with optional add-ins like vegetables or different cheese varieties, perfect for busy families seeking a reliable dinner solution.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Provides the hearty and savory base for the casserole.

• White Rice: Serves as the filling and textural foundation of the dish.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, melty flavor and creamy topping to the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base for the dish.

• Beef Broth, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Diced Tomatoes: Create moisture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Help with cooking process and seasoning the ingredients.

Cooking Up Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to create the perfect cooking environment for this delicious casserole.

Step 2: Sizzle Onions And Garlic

Pour olive oil into a skillet over medium heat.

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Toss ground beef into the skillet with the onions and garlic.

Cook the meat until it turns a rich brown color.

Carefully drain away any extra fat from the pan.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Base

• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Diced tomatoes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the entire skillet mixture into a baking dish.

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Initial Baking Phase

Place the covered dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Topping

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes wonderfully bubbly.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Pro Tips for Rich, Flavorful Casserole

• Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole.
• Let the rice simmer in broth and soup for maximum flavor infusion and perfect texture.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and richer taste compared to pre-packaged options.
• Sprinkle cheese evenly across the surface for consistent melting and golden-brown coverage.
• Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicy kick to the classic comfort dish.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Variations

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat substitute, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meatless version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, chili powder, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick that transforms the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and use a low-fat cream of mushroom soup to reduce carbohydrates and calories.
• Gluten-Free Option: Choose gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Family Feast Night: Serve this hearty casserole as the star of your dinner table, gathering everyone around for a comforting meal that sparks conversation and smiles.
• Potluck Champion: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, where its cheesy goodness and rich flavors will make you the hero of the party.
• Side Salad Pairing: Complement the casserole with a crisp green salad topped with light vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy, robust profile.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions for a quick lunch or transform into a delicious wrap by stuffing into tortillas with extra cheese.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in freezer wrap. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but increase the liquid and baking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. Add about 1/2 cup extra broth and extend baking time by 15-20 minutes.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

• What can I do if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?

You can replace it with cream of chicken soup or make a quick homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and milk. The goal is to maintain the creamy texture and flavor.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy hamburger rice casserole, blending hearty ground beef with creamy melted cheese and fluffy rice. Midwestern home cooking shines through with this simple, satisfying one-pan meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Grains and Liquid Base:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups beef broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Canned and Prepared Ingredients:

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for the casserole.
2. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces and cooking until completely browned. Carefully drain any accumulated grease.
4. Mix uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Stir thoroughly and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
7. Remove the foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.
8. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that reduces saturated fat intake.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the dish.
• Choose low-sodium beef broth and cream of mushroom soup to control salt levels, making the casserole more heart-friendly and suitable for those watching sodium consumption.
• Add diced bell peppers or zucchini during the onion sautéing stage to increase vegetable content and enhance overall nutritional profile of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg