Cozy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Happy Tummies

Comfort cuisine reaches new heights with this cheesy hamburger rice casserole that promises ultimate satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients combine in a delightful medley of flavors and textures.

Seasoned ground beef melts into fluffy rice, creating a warm embrace for hungry souls.

Crispy edges and gooey cheese make every forkful irresistible.

Minimal preparation ensures you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish without stress.

Pantry staples transform into a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible comfort food and watch smiles spread around the table.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Full Of Comfort

• Craft a Hearty One-Dish Wonder: This casserole transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that satisfies hungry families with minimal kitchen effort.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine all ingredients in one pan, then transfer to the oven, creating a complete dinner with minimal dishes and maximum flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Leverages affordable pantry staples like rice, canned tomatoes, and ground meat to create a filling, nutritious meal that stretches your grocery budget.

Ingredients For Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein source for the casserole.

• Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients create a rich and deep flavor base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and adds depth to the casserole's flavor profile.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Brings a creamy texture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a slight tangy flavor to the casserole.
• Uncooked Rice: Serves as the starchy base that absorbs the liquid and creates a hearty texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, gooey layer that adds richness and flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that provides a fresh, green accent to the finished dish.

Step-By-Step Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) to prepare for this delicious meal.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, drizzle some olive oil and heat over medium flame.

• Ground beef
• Diced onion

Sizzle and cook until the beef turns a beautiful golden brown and onions become soft and translucent, around 5-7 minutes. Carefully drain away any extra fat.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Minced garlic
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until your kitchen fills with an amazing aroma.

Step 4: Create the Liquid Base

• Beef broth
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Drained diced tomatoes

Add uncooked rice and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Cover with foil and slide into the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top. Return to the oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few moments. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve this comforting meal to eager family and friends.

Tips To Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Better

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture. Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and create fluffy, separated grains that absorb flavors beautifully. Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels and balance the dish's seasoning perfectly. Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner protein option that keeps the casserole light and nutritious. Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack to add exciting flavor variations and keep the dish interesting for repeated meals.

Variations For Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the casserole.
• Vegetarian Deconstructed: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, swap paprika for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.

Serving Suggestions For Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Comfort Food Night: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add a fresh crunch to your meal.
• Potluck Winner: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to family gatherings or community events where everyone loves a satisfying, easy-to-transport meal that feeds a crowd.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy families.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions the next day for a quick lunch, or transform remaining casserole into stuffed bell peppers by mixing with extra cheese and filling pepper halves.

Storage Advice For Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it sealed to preserve moisture and flavor.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for long-term storage up to 2-3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and taste.

FAQs

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, it uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned soup, making it an economical meal that feeds a family without breaking the bank.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great in this casserole, offering flexibility for different dietary preferences.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Opt for lean ground beef, use low-sodium broth, choose a reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with monterey jack, colby, or a Mexican blend cheese to add different flavor profiles and melting characteristics.

Creamy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting cheesy hamburger rice casserole brings hearty Midwestern flavors to dinner tables across America. Savory ground beef, melted cheese, and fluffy rice combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups beef broth

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions over medium heat until meat is fully cooked and onions become translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove excess grease.
3. Enhance the meat mixture by incorporating minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes to develop robust flavors.
4. Introduce beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and diced tomatoes into the skillet. Fold in uncooked rice and allow the mixture to simmer, melding ingredients together for 5 minutes.
5. Transfer the beef and rice concoction into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, ensuring even distribution.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
7. Remove foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface. Return to oven and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and turns golden.
8. Allow casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from oven. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce the overall fat content and make the dish healthier without compromising flavor.
• Replace white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and a boost of whole grains.
• Consider using low-sodium beef broth and cream of mushroom soup to control salt intake for those watching their sodium levels.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella to create unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting for repeat meals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg