Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food Dish

Looking for a warm, comforting, and cheesy dish that the whole family will love? Say hello to the Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole — a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. This one-pan dish blends tender ground beef, fluffy rice, savory seasonings, and ooey-gooey cheese into one irresistibly hearty casserole.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, useful tips, and even answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

This recipe is a go-to favorite for several reasons:

• Quick & easy prep: Minimal prep time with basic pantry staples.

• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love it!

• One-dish meal: Less cleanup with maximum flavor.

• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cheesy hamburger rice casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice

• 2 1/2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained (optional for a tangy twist)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. You can also add other spices you enjoy, like Italian seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl (or directly in the casserole dish), mix the cooked beef and onions with uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and diced tomatoes if using. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 6: Add More Cheese

Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the foil: Covering the dish while baking traps steam and helps the rice cook evenly.

• Use lean ground beef: This prevents the casserole from becoming greasy.

• Want more flavor? Add Worcestershire sauce, taco seasoning, or chopped bell peppers.

• Cheese alternatives: Feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.

• Make it healthier: Use brown rice and low-fat soup, or sneak in some veggies like peas or spinach.

Variations to Try

• Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and top with pepper jack cheese.

• Bacon Explosion: Mix in crispy bacon bits for a smoky touch.

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with lentils or meatless crumbles and use vegetable broth.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Casserole can be frozen (before or after baking) for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container.

• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use instant rice instead of long grain?
   Yes, but adjust the cooking time. Instant rice cooks faster, so reduce baking time by about 15–20 minutes.

2. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Prepare the casserole and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

3. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
   Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce will work well.

4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean substitutes.

5. Is this casserole gluten-free?
   If you use a gluten-free soup and check your seasonings, it can easily be made gluten-free.

6. Can I add vegetables?
   Yes. Frozen mixed veggies, bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms all work great.

7. What type of cheese is best?
   Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, but you can also mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.

8. Why is my rice undercooked?
   Make sure the casserole is tightly covered while baking and that you use enough liquid. If still undercooked, bake longer in 5–10 minute increments.

9. How do I make this spicier?
   Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or use pepper jack cheese for some heat.

10. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
    Yes, cook on LOW for about 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, making sure the rice is fully cooked.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is everything you need in a meal — comforting, affordable, and incredibly tasty. Whether you’re feeding a family, looking for leftovers, or just craving something cheesy and delicious, this recipe has you covered. Plus, it’s super flexible and can be customized to fit your preferences.

So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, give this casserole a try — it’s sure to become a regular on your table!