Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Get ready to dig into pure comfort food bliss with this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole! This is one of those magic meals where tender beef, perfectly cooked rice, and melty cheddar cheese all cozy up together in a single dish. The flavors are classic, the prep is totally approachable, and it’s guaranteed to fill your kitchen with those heartwarming, homey aromas we all crave at the end of a busy day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing a crowd-pleaser to a potluck, this casserole will not let you down.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole comes from a handful of humble, everyday ingredients. Each one pulls its weight to bring out bold flavors, satisfying textures, and even a pop of color that makes this casserole impossible to resist.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Brings hearty richness and is the backbone of your casserole’s flavor.
- Onion, chopped (1): Adds a gentle sweetness and a subtle crunch that balances out the savory beef.
- Garlic clove, minced (1): Gives an aromatic depth—don’t skip it!
- Long-grain rice, uncooked (1 cup): Absorbs all those tasty juices and bakes up perfectly tender.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Infuses the rice with even more savory goodness.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.75 oz): Adds creaminess and ties all the flavors together.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts into a gooey, golden topping that’s impossible to resist.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Seasons every bite so you taste all the delicious layers.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warmth and complexity.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a gentle smokiness and lovely color.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1/4 cup): Brightens things up and gives the perfect final flourish.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake. Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish, give it a generous greasing, and set it aside. This quick step ensures easy cleanup and helps everything cook evenly.
Step 2: Brown the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, toss in your ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft—your kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point! Remember to drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole just rich enough without being greasy.
Step 3: Build the Casserole Base
Now add the uncooked long-grain rice right into the skillet with the beef. Pour in the beef broth and the cream of mushroom soup, then stir everything up so all the flavors can meld. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and paprika, giving another good stir. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes—this helps the rice start soaking up all that flavorful broth.
Step 4: Get Ready for the Oven
Pour your savory skillet mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This seal helps trap all the steam, so your rice ends up fluffy and tender every time. Pop it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes—just enough time to set the table and gather your favorite people.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finish
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Slide it back into the oven, uncovered this time, and let it bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden deliciousness on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
As your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole comes out of the oven, shower it with a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley. Not only does it look extra inviting, but it adds a little freshness to balance every bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of bright green parsley over the hot cheese makes this casserole downright irresistible. For even more color or crunch, try sliced green onions, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a handful of crispy fried onions. Each little garnish adds a fresh flourish and just a bit of extra flavor.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole plays well with all sorts of easy sides. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole, while simple steamed broccoli or green beans bring a burst of color and nutritional boost. Even buttery corn or roasted carrots will round out your plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, try scooping the casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner party, or portion it into bowls for grab-and-go lunches. You can even top each serving with a drizzle of hot sauce, dollop of sour cream, or extra cheddar to make every plate feel special. Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is just as at home as a cozy family dinner as it is at a festive potluck!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (rare, but possible!), you’ll be glad to know Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just transfer any cooled portions into airtight containers and store for up to four days. The flavors continue to develop, making each leftover bite even more delicious.
Freezing
This casserole is a true weeknight hero, and it freezes like a dream. Once it’s fully cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish in a couple of layers of foil. You can freeze Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole for up to three months. Individual servings make for an easy, comforting meal on even the busiest nights—just thaw as needed!
Reheating
To reheat, place your portion in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil; bake at 350°F until heated through (about 20 minutes should do the trick). For quicker reheating, you can use the microwave—just add a splash of broth or water and heat gently so the rice stays soft and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While cheddar brings that classic, comforting flavor to Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, feel free to substitute with Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for an extra kick. The cheese is flexible; just use something that melts well.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance—just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready, allow the dish to come up to room temperature before baking so it heats evenly and all the flavors shine.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free cream of mushroom soup (be sure to check the label) and double-check your beef broth is gluten-free, too. Everything else in Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is naturally gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Go for it! Toss in frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or even mushrooms when you’re browning the beef. This is a super versatile recipe, so extra veggies only add to the heartiness and color.
What’s the best way to double the recipe?
This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, so doubling is always a smart move. Use a larger baking dish and just make sure everything is spread out evenly. Watch the baking time as it may need a few extra minutes—check for bubbly cheese and tender rice to know it’s done.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a no-fuss, feel-good meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds, you can’t go wrong with Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. This is comfort food at its very best—simple to make, totally customizable, and undeniably delicious. Give this recipe a try and make it your own; I promise you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner line-up in no time!
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Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole that combines ground beef, rice, creamy mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Rice Mixture:
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: Combine uncooked rice, beef broth, and mushroom soup. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer mixture to baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered until melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can customize with additional vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers.
- Feel free to add different cheese varieties for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Comfort Food Recipe
