Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Shortly after moving into my first apartment, I stumbled upon a recipe that changed my weeknight dinners forever: Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. This hearty dish combines ingredients I always have on hand—ground beef, rice, and cheese—with the added comfort of a creamy sauce. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies everyone, from picky eaters to those with bigger appetites. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also transforms into a cozy hug in a baking dish, perfect for both busy weeknights and any gathering with family or friends.

What Makes This Recipe Special

If you’re searching for a dish that brings everyone to the table, this is it. Here’s why you’ll adore making Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:

• Time-Saving Meal: This recipe can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you don’t have much time to cook.
• Budget-Friendly: With wholesome ingredients that are often already in your pantry or fridge, it’s a cost-effective way to feed the whole family.
• Kid-Approved: Kids love the cheesy goodness, and adults can indulge in the rich flavors too.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required, which means more time to relax after a meal.

“This casserole was a hit at our family gathering! It was so easy to make, and I loved how everyone asked for seconds.” — Jessica R.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is straightforward. Here’s a quick overview of the preparation process:

1. Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet.
2. Combine the uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup.
3. Season and simmer the mixture before transferring it to a baking dish.
4. Bake, add cheese, and finish until bubbly and golden.

Let’s get into the specifics!

Gather Your Ingredients

For this delicious Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, you will need:

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• 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
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Feel free to substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based protein for a lighter option!)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.

3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil before lowering the heat to simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes.

5. Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of freshness.

Best Way to Serve

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole shines on its own, but you can elevate the meal by pairing it with:

• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Consider broccoli or green beans for a nutritious side.
• Garlic Bread: For those who love carbs, a slice of garlic bread is the perfect sidekick.

Storage Tips

To keep Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Add a splash of beef broth or milk for moisture when reheating in the oven or microwave.

Pro Chef Tips

• Pre-cooked rice: If you’re in a huge rush, you can use pre-cooked rice to speed up the process.
• Extra toppings: Feel free to add diced bell peppers or sliced olives for more flavor and texture.
• Spice it up: A dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper can kick the flavors up a notch!

Creative Twists

Looking to change things up? Here are some delightful variations:

• Spicy Version: Add jalapeños for a spicy twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms and add more veggies like zucchini or spinach.
• Different Cheeses: Go with pepper jack cheese for a flavorful kick or a mix of cheeses for more depth.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for this recipe?

Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 35-40 minutes.

Can I freeze Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s in an airtight container, and you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version using heavy cream and spices for a lighter option.

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting meal that brings family and friends together. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, rice, and cheese in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based protein. You can also add diced bell peppers or olives for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: casserole, easy dinner, weeknight meal, cheesy beef