When you need a quick, comforting dinner that the whole family will love, look no further than Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. This hearty casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a cheesy sauce for a filling, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Keep reading to learn how to make this easy casserole with step-by-step instructions, substitutions, and helpful cooking tips!
What is Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a simple, savory dish made with ground beef, rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Everything is combined and baked in the oven to create a bubbly, golden-brown casserole that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with different vegetables and seasonings to suit your family’s taste, and it’s perfect for meal prepping or serving a crowd.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious casserole:
For the Casserole:
- Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) of ground beef. You can use lean ground beef (90/10) or regular ground beef (80/20) depending on your preference.
- Rice: 1 cup (180g) of uncooked white rice or brown rice. Long-grain or jasmine rice works best, but you can also use instant rice for a quicker option.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced. Yellow or white onions work best, but red onions can also be used for a sweeter flavor.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic adds depth to the dish.
- Beef broth: 2 cups (480ml) of low-sodium beef broth to cook the rice and add flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200g) of shredded cheddar cheese. You can use sharp cheddar for extra flavor, or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Cream of mushroom soup: 1 can (10.5 oz/300g). This adds creaminess and richness to the casserole. You can also use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
- Milk: ½ cup (120ml) of milk to thin out the sauce.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon for added warmth and color.
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Season the dish as you cook each layer for maximum flavor.
Optional Ingredients:
- Frozen peas or mixed vegetables: 1 cup for added texture and nutrition.
- Green bell pepper: 1 medium bell pepper, diced, for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Mushrooms: 1 cup of sliced mushrooms for a richer, umami flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: A pinch if you want to add a bit of heat to the casserole.
Substitutions and Variations
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is highly customizable, making it easy to tailor to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitution ideas and variations:
- Ground Meat Alternatives: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork in place of the ground beef. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or 93% lean ground beef.
- Rice Alternatives: For a healthier twist, use brown rice instead of white rice. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, you can use any cheese you love, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Cream Soup Substitutes: If you prefer to avoid canned soups, make a quick homemade sauce using 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of flour whisked together over medium heat until thickened.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, use plant-based crumbles or lentils instead of ground beef and swap the beef broth for vegetable broth.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in diced zucchini, carrots, spinach, or broccoli for an extra dose of veggies.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get into the details of making this hearty, cheesy casserole. Here’s how to put it all together:
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- If using uncooked rice, start by cooking it in beef broth for added flavor. Bring 2 cups of beef broth to a boil in a medium saucepan, then stir in the rice. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes (or 45 minutes if using brown rice) until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. If you’re adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or other vegetables, toss them in at this point and cook until tender.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, browned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese (reserve the rest for topping), the cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a cheesy, bubbly crust.
Step 6: Bake
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Step 7: Serve
- Once the casserole is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
How to Cook Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the rice in beef broth for added flavor.
- Brown the ground beef, season, and set aside.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and any additional vegetables.
- Combine cooked rice, beef, vegetables, cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
- Assemble in a casserole dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overcooking the Rice: Make sure to cook the rice just until tender, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked rice can become mushy.
- Not Draining the Beef: After browning the ground beef, drain off any excess fat. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Skipping the Cheese Topping: The cheesy topping is what makes this casserole irresistible. Don’t skimp on the cheese for a golden, bubbly finish!
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your casserole is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some tips for presenting and serving your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh pop of color.
- Side Dishes: Serve the casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the casserole.
- Bread: Offer a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy, cheesy sauce.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
This casserole is a meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your dinner:
- With a Salad: A crisp, green salad with a tangy dressing is the perfect contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
- Roasted Veggies: Pair the casserole with roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for added nutrition and texture.
- With Bread or Rolls: Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
To elevate the presentation of this humble casserole, try these tips:
- Family-Style Serving: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish at the table, allowing everyone to scoop their own portions.
- Individual Servings: Plate individual portions and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a polished look.
- Skillet Style: If you have a cast-iron skillet, consider baking and serving the casserole in the skillet for a rustic, homestyle presentation.
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe Tips
Here are a few final tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly:
- Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Freeze It: This casserole freezes beautifully. After assembling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Cheese Tip: For an extra cheesy finish, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking to get the top golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use instant rice in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular rice with instant rice for a quicker version. Just adjust the cooking time for the rice according to the package instructions.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Q: Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
A: Yes, you can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even make a homemade white sauce to replace the cream of mushroom soup.
Conclusion
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a perfect comfort dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Packed with hearty ground beef, tender rice, and lots of cheese, this casserole is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With its customizable ingredients and foolproof method, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, cheesy casserole that will quickly become a family favorite!
PrintCheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole recipe features seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to perfection. It’s a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Serve with a side of vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the rice:
In a medium pot, bring the beef broth to a boil. Stir in the uncooked rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remove from heat and set aside. - Cook the ground beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef as it browns, until the meat is fully cooked. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess fat. - Mix the casserole:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, ground beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. - Assemble the casserole:
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. - Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice or quinoa for a healthier version.
- Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the mixture for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
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