Are you in search of an easy, delicious, and satisfying recipe that the whole family will love? Look no further! Our Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole combines savory ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and creamy, melted cheese into one mouthwatering dish. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. Keep reading for a full breakdown of how to make the best Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, along with tips, variations, and serving ideas that will take your cooking game to the next level. Let’s dive in!

What is Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish, blending the heartiness of ground beef with soft rice, all enveloped in gooey cheese. This casserole offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that satisfies on every level. The meatiness of the hamburger, the richness of the cheese, and the starchy base of the rice make this a complete meal that’s easy to prepare and a joy to eat. Plus, it's super versatile, so you can tweak it based on your dietary preferences or what's available in your pantry.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 2 cups beef broth (can substitute with water or chicken broth)
- 1 can (10 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional, for added vegetables)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for sautéing
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredients List for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole (Optional Add-Ins)
For those looking to add even more flavor and customization to this casserole, here are some optional ingredients you can mix in:
- ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese (for added creaminess)
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (for extra savoriness)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (to complement the mushroom soup)
- ½ cup bell peppers, diced (for extra texture and flavor)
- ½ cup corn kernels (adds sweetness and color)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for a sharper, nuttier flavor)
These additions are not essential but can enhance the dish depending on your preferences. Feel free to experiment!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the greatest things about Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is its flexibility. Whether you're trying to make it healthier or need to swap out an ingredient or two, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to keep this dish exciting.
- Ground beef substitute: You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute like Beyond Beef to make this dish vegetarian or lower in fat.
- Rice options: While white rice is commonly used, brown rice, wild rice, or even cauliflower rice can be used to reduce the carb content or add more nutrients.
- Cheese choices: Cheddar cheese is a classic, but you could use mozzarella for extra gooeyness, pepper jack for a bit of spice, or Swiss cheese for a nuttier flavor.
- Broth alternatives: If you’re out of beef broth, you can use chicken or vegetable broth, or even water mixed with bouillon for similar results.
- Low-carb option: Instead of rice, use cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version of the casserole.
- Vegetable variety: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or broccoli to pack in extra nutrients.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you prepare your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Add the Vegetables and Spices: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
- Add the Rice and Liquids: Stir the uncooked rice into the beef mixture, making sure it's well incorporated. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies, and mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the rice starts to absorb the liquid.
- Stir in the Cream of Mushroom Soup: Once the rice is partially cooked, stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the frozen peas and carrots (if using). Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
How to Cook Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
For an even clearer view, here’s a quick reference for making your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:
- Brown ground beef and sauté veggies.
- Add rice and broth, cook partially.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and vegetables.
- Transfer to baking dish, top with cheese.
- Bake and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the rice: Make sure to simmer the rice just until it starts to soften. Overcooked rice can become mushy after baking, affecting the casserole’s texture.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to properly season your meat and vegetables. Bland casserole is the last thing you want!
- Using too much liquid: Adding too much broth can make the casserole soggy. Stick to the recipe’s suggested measurements to ensure a good balance between moist and firm textures.
- Not browning the beef: Browning the ground beef properly before mixing it with other ingredients adds a rich flavor that makes a big difference in the final dish.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole can make a world of difference. Here are a few tips to elevate your presentation:
- Serve with fresh sides: Pair the casserole with a simple green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to add color and freshness to the meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and brightness to the dish.
- Serve in individual ramekins: For a more formal presentation, consider dividing the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. This makes for a fun, personal-sized serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
This casserole is best served hot, straight out of the oven. You can serve it as a standalone meal since it contains both protein and starch, or you can add a side dish or two to round it out.
- With a salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette contrasts beautifully with the richness of the casserole.
- With bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any cheesy goodness from your plate.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
For a dinner party or potluck, presentation can take your casserole from casual to impressive. Here are a few ideas:
- Top with extra cheese and bake until golden brown for a stunning, cheesy crust.
- Use a cast iron skillet instead of a baking dish to make the casserole look rustic and homey.
- Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for a Tex-Mex-inspired twist.
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep in advance: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
- Freeze for later: You can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Reheat leftovers carefully: Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven, but make sure to cover the dish so the rice doesn’t dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prep it a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking, or freeze it for future meals.
Q: How can I make this casserole healthier? A: Use ground turkey, brown rice, or cauliflower rice, and opt for a low-fat cheese. You can also add more veggies to boost the nutritional value.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, just use a gluten-free condensed soup and ensure your broth is gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table with minimal effort. It’s flexible, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Try this recipe out today, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and serving ideas! Happy cooking!
PrintCheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Cheesy hamburger rice casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. This one-pan meal is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Keywords: cheesy hamburger casserole, hamburger rice, ground beef casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cooked rice
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
- Cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic.
- Add tomato sauce, beef broth, and seasoning. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Mix in cooked rice, and transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For extra veggies, add bell peppers or spinach. Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version. This casserole can be made ahead and frozen for later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
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