Could a humble mix of beef, rice, and cheese become your next weeknight hero? With Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole , you get one pan, minimal fuss, and a dish that’s cozy, satisfying, and full of flavor. Many believe that casseroles are bland or complicated—but this version shatters that myth. In this post, we’ll break it down step by step, weaving in “Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole” naturally while using semantic variations so your content is both user‑friendly and SEO smart.
Ingredients
Below is the clean ingredient list—each one chosen to contribute taste, texture, or ease:
- 1 lb ground beef — choose 85–90% lean for balance between flavor and fat
- 1 onion, chopped — gives a sweet savory base
- 1 garlic clove, minced — aromatic lift
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked) — absorbs flavors and gives structure
- 2 cups beef broth — liquid base to cook the rice and meld flavors
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup — adds creaminess and depth
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded — sharp, melty cheese for richness
- ½ tsp salt — to season adequately
- ½ tsp black pepper — for mild heat
- ½ tsp paprika — subtle smokiness and color
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) — freshness and visual appeal
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
These steps will help you assemble a flavorful, perfectly cooked Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole with minimal stress.
Step 1: Preheat & prep
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Meanwhile, chop the onion, mince garlic, and measure the rice and broth so everything is ready when you begin cooking the beef.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic
In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon. When it starts to brown, add the chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add rice, seasonings & liquids
To the beef mixture, add the uncooked rice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well so the rice gets evenly coated and mixed in. Pour in the beef broth and the can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir gently to combine—this will be your casserole’s cooking base.
Step 4: Bring to a simmer
Raise the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered on the stovetop for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice begins absorbing some liquid and moving from a “soup” into a thicker mixture.
Step 5: Bake covered
Cover the skillet (or transfer to an ovenproof dish and cover) and bake in the preheated 350 °F oven for 30 minutes. The cover helps steam the rice fully.
Step 6: Add cheese and finish baking
After 30 minutes, remove the cover, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 minutes (or until cheese is melted and bubbly).
Step 7: Garnish & serve
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and brightness. Serve warm, scooping generous portions of rice, beef, and melty cheese.
Variations
- Vegetable boost: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas, diced carrots, or chopped bell pepper before baking.
- Mushroom twist: Add sliced mushrooms during the beef sauté for extra umami.
- Spicy variation: Add ½ tsp chili powder or ¼ tsp cayenne to the seasoning mix.
- Cheese blend: Use part Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella along with cheddar.
- Lower fat version: Use reduced-fat cheddar and a lower-sodium, lighter cream of mushroom soup.
Cooking Note
Because the rice bakes with the beef and liquid, the dish benefits from a tight-fitting cover during the initial bake to trap steam. Also, avoid opening the oven too often to maintain consistent heat. The cheese layer should be added only near the end so it doesn’t overcook or become rubbery.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is delicious on its own, but these additions elevate it:
- Serve with a crisp side salad (greens, cucumber, tomato, vinaigrette) to cut through the richness.
- Offer steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or zucchini.
- Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls to scoop up any sauce.
- Top servings with sour cream, hot sauce, or extra herbs for personalized flair.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Here’s how to store and reheat your leftovers so they remain tasty:
- Let the casserole cool, then cover tightly or transfer portions into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven at 325 °F (163 °C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave single servings, adding a splash of broth if dry.
- You may assemble ahead and refrigerate before baking; just add 5–10 extra minutes to bake time when ready.
- Freezing is possible but may alter texture—freeze in portions, thaw overnight, then reheat gradually.
Timing
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes (chopping, combining ingredients)
Cooking Time: 40 minutes total (baking + final melt)
Total Time: ~50–55 minutes — perfect for a satisfying but not overly lengthy dinner
Yield: Serves 4–6 generously
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
The table below shows estimated nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Lean meats: Use ground turkey, chicken, or lean beef to reduce fat content.
- Low-fat dairy: Substitute lower-fat cheddar or reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup.
- Low-sodium options: Choose low-sodium beef broth and canned soup varieties to cut salt.
- Whole-grain rice: Use brown rice (note: will require extra liquid and longer bake time).
- Veggie stretch: Add chopped vegetables like bell pepper, zucchini, or spinach to add volume and nutrients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much liquid initially: Excess broth can lead to mushy rice. Stick closely to recipe amounts.
- Skipping the simmer stage: Letting the mixture sit before baking helps ensure rice begins absorbing liquid.
- Not using an oven-safe dish: Make sure your skillet can handle oven heat or transfer to a baking dish.
- Add cheese too early: If cheese is added before baking, it may overcook or separate—reserve for final 10 minutes.
- Not letting it rest: Serving immediately may cause the casserole to break apart. A short rest helps it set.
Conclusion
With just a handful of ingredients and a single dish, you’ll end up with a comfort-packed, savory, and cheesy meal: **Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole**. It’s ideal for family dinners, leftovers, or even potlucks. Give it a try, leave your tweaks below, and explore my other casserole or one-pot meals for more inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use brown rice?
Yes — but expect to increase liquid and bake time by ~10–15 minutes. Check doneness before removing from oven. - Is this freezer-friendly?
You can freeze leftover portions. Thaw overnight and reheat gently to avoid drying out. - Can I assemble ahead?
Absolutely. Prepare up to the point of baking, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready (add a few extra minutes). - Can I use another type of soup?
Yes — cream of chicken or celery could substitute, though flavor will shift slightly. - What if it’s too dry?
Add a splash of broth before reheating or during baking if the casserole looks too firm.
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy, hearty, and made with pantry staples, this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is your new favorite weeknight comfort dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
2 cups beef broth
1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Chop onion and mince garlic.
3. In oven-safe skillet, brown ground beef with onion.
4. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
5. Stir in rice, salt, pepper, paprika.
6. Pour in beef broth and cream of mushroom soup; mix well.
7. Simmer gently ~3–5 min.
8. Cover and bake 30 minutes.
9. Remove cover and sprinkle cheese.
10. Bake 10 minutes more until cheese melts and bubbles.
11. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Use an oven-safe skillet or transfer to a baking dish before baking.
Do not skip the simmer stage — it helps the rice begin absorbing liquid.
Add cheese only during the final 10 minutes for perfect melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole / Comfort
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg