Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—simple to make, hearty, and packed with flavor. This dish combines tender ground beef, savory vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy base, all cooked together in one pan for easy preparation and cleanup. With its rich layers of gooey cheese and hearty beef, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this casserole is sure to satisfy.

The combination of seasoned ground beef, rice, and creamy mushroom soup creates a deliciously filling dish, while the melty cheese adds the perfect finishing touch. This recipe is adaptable too—you can easily make it your own by adding different seasonings or vegetables. It’s a meal that is as comforting as it is flavorful, and best of all, it’s a one-dish wonder that’s both easy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pot Convenience

This casserole is a one-pot dish, meaning minimal cleanup and easy preparation, which is a huge win for busy nights.

2. Rich and Creamy

The combination of cream of mushroom soup and sour cream (optional) creates a rich, creamy texture that makes every bite feel indulgent.

3. Cheese Galore

Cheddar and mozzarella cheese melt together beautifully, forming a gooey, cheesy topping that everyone will love.

4. Customizable Ingredients

You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have at home, like using cream of chicken soup, different cheeses, or adding extra veggies.

5. Kid-Friendly

With its cheesy goodness and simple ingredients, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Medium onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• Beef broth (or water with a bouillon cube)
• Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• Diced tomatoes (drained)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• Sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Salt and pepper
• Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
• Olive oil (for cooking)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers to the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Use Different Meat: Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a leaner option.
• Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give the casserole a little kick.
• Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese—parmesan, gouda, or even pepper jack can add a fun twist.
• Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cheese and sour cream for a dairy-free version and substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Add the Rice and Liquid

Add the uncooked rice to the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Pour in the beef broth (or water with a bouillon cube), and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid.

Step 3: Stir in Soup and Tomatoes

Once the rice is tender, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes (drained), and any seasonings you’d like to add. Add salt, pepper, and optional oregano or Italian seasoning to taste. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Top the mixture with the shredded cheddar (and mozzarella, if using). Stir until the cheese starts to melt into the casserole. If you’re using sour cream for added creaminess, stir it in at this point as well.

Step 5: Bake (Optional)

If you’d like a crispy, golden top, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly (and the casserole is hot throughout), remove from the oven (if baked), and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.

Tips for Making Cheesy Hamburger

• Don’t Overcook the Rice: Be careful not to overcook the rice when simmering with the beef broth. The rice should be tender but not mushy.
• Add a Crispy Top: If you love a crunchy top, bake the casserole in the oven for an extra golden and crispy finish.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set up and make serving easier.
• Layer the Cheese: For extra cheesy goodness, reserve some shredded cheese to sprinkle on top before baking.

How to Serve

This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for added freshness. You can also serve it alongside a warm loaf of bread for a hearty dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well! To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or bake the entire casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and add a little more liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. It will save you time on busy nights!

3. Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork as a substitute for the beef in this recipe.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add frozen peas, carrots, or any other vegetables you like. Just stir them in after the soup and tomatoes.

5. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the rice is tender.

6. What if I don’t have beef broth?

If you don’t have beef broth, you can use water with a bouillon cube, or even chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand.

7. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cheese, sour cream, and other dairy products for a dairy-free version.

8. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of chili powder to the beef mixture for a bit of heat.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, or any other cheese you prefer. You could even try adding pepper jack for a spicy kick.

10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure the beef broth is gluten-free as well. This will make the recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy to prepare, hearty, and packed with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. With its simple ingredients and one-pan convenience, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Try it out and enjoy a warm, cheesy meal the whole family will love!

Related Posts:

• Chicken Caprese
• Brochettes de Poulet au Paprika et Moutarde
• Chili Cheese Dog Bake Recipe

Print