Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole brings comfort food to a new level with its rich, creamy texture and a delightful cheesy topping. This dish is a favorite for families looking for a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed gatherings, it guarantees happy faces around the dinner table, making it a staple in many households. Let me take you through this simple yet delicious recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Reasons You’ll Love Making It

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal without compromising on flavor. Second, this casserole is budget-friendly; with just a few ingredients, you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use pantry staples.

"This casserole has become a regular go-to in our home. The kids love it, and it’s so simple to make! A real family favorite!"

With its cheesy topping and savory ground beef, this dish is loved by both kids and adults. It’s perfect for everything from casual family dinners to potluck parties, ensuring it deserves a prominent spot on your table.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Creating Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole involves a few simple steps that lead to delicious results. Start by preheating your oven and greasing your baking dish—this will save you cleanup time later. You’ll be cooking ground beef, onion, and garlic together for a rich base, then mixing everything else in one pot before transferring it to the oven. It’s truly a hassle-free dish that delivers on taste.

What You’ll Need

To prepare this comforting casserole, gather the following ingredients:

• 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 the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile or dietary adjustment.

Cooking Steps

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

Best Way to Serve

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with several sides. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast or some garlic bread to soak up that creamy goodness. For an added flair, serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top. It also makes for a fantastic leftover lunch!

Storage Tips

To keep your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole fresh, allow it to cool completely after cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’re looking to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave it in individual portions.

Pro Chef Tips

• For a deeper flavor, consider browning the meat with some Worcestershire sauce or adding sautéed mushrooms.
• If you like it spicier, incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
• Make it a one-pan dish by adding some frozen mixed vegetables or corn right before transferring it to the baking dish.

Creative Twists

Want to switch things up a bit? Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap out cheddar cheese for pepper jack or a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
• Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different creamy base.
• For a Mexican twist, add taco seasoning and use black beans instead of beef.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for this casserole?

Prep time takes about 15 minutes; the hands-on work is quick and easy!

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking times since brown rice takes longer to cook.

Is it safe to freeze and reheat the casserole?

Absolutely! Just ensure it cools down completely before freezing. When reheating, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a comfort food hug on a plate. Enjoy making it your own with these tips and variations, and have fun sharing it with loved ones!

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

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

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Description

A comforting casserole featuring ground beef, rice, and a creamy cheddar topping, perfect for busy weeknights and 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, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

This dish works well with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary adjustments. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, family dinner, ground beef, easy recipe