Quick & Cozy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering cheesy hamburger rice casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Every bite speaks of home-cooked warmth and hearty flavors.

Weeknight dinners just became incredibly simple and delicious.

Busy families adore meals combining protein, grains, and melted cheese in one skillet.

Layers of ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese create a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can whip this up faster than ordering takeout.

Trust me, one spoonful will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole For Easy Comfort

• Whip Up Quick Family Comfort: Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole delivers hearty, one-dish meal satisfaction in under 90 minutes.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned soup creates an economical meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.
• Customizable Flavor Potential: Easily swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to personalize the dish, ensuring it matches your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.

What You Use For Hamburger Rice Bake

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that adds hearty flavor and satisfying texture to the casserole.

• Uncooked Rice: Provides the base and bulk of the casserole, absorbing flavors and creating a filling meal.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, sharp flavor and melts beautifully to create a golden top layer.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy sauce that helps bind ingredients together.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the rice with extra richness.

• Onion: Provides sweet, savory base flavor and aromatic depth to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture, slight acidity, and fresh vegetable component.

• Garlic Powder: Offers warm, intense garlic flavor without fresh garlic chunks.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance overall taste.

Hamburger Rice Casserole How To Cook

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for a delicious meal.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

Grab a large skillet and cook your ground beef with chopped onions over medium heat.

Keep stirring until the beef turns a rich brown and the onions become soft and translucent.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Season the Meat

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these into the beef mixture, letting the flavors mingle and dance.

Step 4: Mix the Casserole Base

• Cooked beef and onion mixture
• Uncooked rice
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for a full hour, allowing the rice to become perfectly tender.

Step 7: Cheese it Up

Remove the foil and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top.

Pop it back in the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes to settle.

This helps the flavors blend and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your comforting meal!

Expert Hints for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Remove as much fat as possible from the ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more appetizing dish.
• Use long-grain white rice for optimal texture, as it absorbs liquid evenly and prevents the casserole from becoming mushy or dry.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend to add depth and personalize the flavor profile.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free alternative or homemade white sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Add diced bell peppers, frozen mixed vegetables, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create a more balanced one-dish meal.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Reheat Made Easy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed meals will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen portions remain delicious for up to 3 months.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly warmed. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added flavor.

Good Accompaniments for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Salad: Create a light, refreshing green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the beef's robust flavor and cut through the creamy cheese.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted broccoli or asparagus seasoned with garlic and olive oil to add a nutritious side that provides textural contrast.
• Add Zesty Pickles: Include dill pickle spears on the side to introduce a sharp, acidic element that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty casserole.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Twists

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace cream of mushroom soup with gluten-free cream soup and use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free alternative.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chilies, use pepper jack cheese, and include taco seasoning to give the casserole a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower and add extra protein like diced chicken or additional ground meat to maintain heartiness while reducing carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer baking period, typically around 75-90 minutes.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.

• What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work great as alternatives. If you prefer, you can also use a homemade white sauce or cream sauce as a replacement.

• Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed in the recipe.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “cheesy hamburger rice casserole” delivers pure comfort mixed with satisfying family-friendly flavors. Melted cheese, ground beef, and fluffy rice combine into a delicious one-pan meal that brings warmth and joy to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Grains and Starches:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) uncooked rice

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles while cooking.
3. Add diced onions to the beef and sauté until onions become translucent and soft.
4. Season the beef and onion mixture with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Drain any accumulated grease from the meat mixture to prevent a greasy casserole.
6. Transfer beef mixture to a mixing bowl and combine with uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
7. Thoroughly mix all ingredients until well incorporated and no dry rice remains visible.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
9. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure rice cooks properly.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until rice reaches a tender consistency.
11. Remove foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
12. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
13. Allow casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to help set and make cutting easier.

Notes

• Rinse uncooked rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent a gummy texture in the final dish.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Consider using brown rice for added nutritional value and a slightly nutty flavor profile that complements the beef.
• Customize the recipe by swapping cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery for different flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg