Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together hearty flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness, then this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s a soulful blend of savory ground beef, tender rice soaked in rich beef broth and cream of mushroom soup, all topped with a luscious layer of melted cheddar cheese. This casserole feels like a warm hug from the inside out, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners when you want to serve something satisfying with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry and fridge staples that come together to create incredible taste, texture, and color in this casserole. Each one plays an essential role from the savory depth of the beef broth to the creaminess of the mushroom soup and the vibrant finish of fresh parsley.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein that forms the base and adds rich flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Adds a subtle punch of savory warmth.
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked: Absorbs all the delicious liquids and becomes perfectly tender.
- 2 cups beef broth: Infuses the rice and ground beef with robust, meaty flavor.
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy, comforting texture that binds everything together.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts on top for that irresistible gooey, cheesy crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and warmth.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh, bright pop of color and herbal flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly, giving you the perfect golden edges and cheesy topping later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions have softened, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess fat to keep your casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Combine Rice, Broth, Soup, and Spices
Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup into the skillet with the meat mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This step allows the rice to start absorbing the rich flavors before baking.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole Covered
Transfer your delicious mixture to the prepared baking dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes to let the rice cook thoroughly and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This melts the cheese into a golden, bubbly layer that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole with fresh chopped parsley. This final touch adds a lovely burst of color and a subtle herbal freshness that balances out the richness of the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the look and flavor of your casserole, but you can also add a dollop of sour cream or some chopped green onions for extra creaminess and zing. Even a few slices of ripe avocado on the side bring a wonderful, buttery contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing salads like a garden salad with vinaigrette or a crunchy coleslaw to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed veggies such as broccoli or green beans make for a wholesome balance, adding color and nutrition to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets—perfect for portion control and a cozy presentation. You can also top each serving with a fried egg for a brunch-worthy upgrade or layer in some sliced mushrooms to add earthiness and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling the casserole to room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making for an easy grab-and-go meal during the week.
Freezing
If you want to save this comfort food dish for longer, Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole freezes beautifully. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap the baking dish with foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated casserole portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For the oven, cover with foil to keep the moisture in and heat at 350°F (175°C) until hot. You might want to add a sprinkle of cheese on top when reheating to refresh that gooey cheesy finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice in this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Yes! While long-grain rice works best for this recipe’s texture, you can substitute with jasmine or basmati rice if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times and liquid amounts may need slight adjustments.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The cream of mushroom soup already adds great umami flavor, so you won’t miss the meat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?
You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What can I do if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade version by mixing a bit of cream or milk with sautéed mushrooms, onion powder, garlic powder, and a touch of flour to thicken. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious.
How spicy is this dish with the paprika?
The paprika adds a mild warmth and a subtle smokiness without significant heat. If you want to kick it up, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is one of those dishes that feels like a warm kitchen hug on a plate, inviting you to pause and enjoy a satisfying, comforting meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s simple to make and endlessly delicious. I hope you give this recipe a try—it might just become your next favorite go-to casserole.
Print
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole made with ground beef, flavorful spices, creamy mushroom soup, and melty cheddar cheese baked to perfection. This easy one-dish meal combines tender rice with savory beef and cheese for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
Seasonings and Toppings
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
- Cook beef mixture. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is fully browned and onions are softened. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Add rice and liquids. Stir in the uncooked long-grain rice, beef broth, and the can of cream of mushroom soup. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring it to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the rice to start absorbing the flavors.
- Transfer and bake covered. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the rice to cook fully.
- Add cheese and bake uncovered. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the casserole for a burst of fresh flavor and color before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
- Long-grain rice is best for this dish; avoid instant or quick-cooking rice as it may become mushy.
- Make sure to fully brown and drain the ground beef to reduce excess grease in the casserole.
- If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the paprika.
- This casserole can be made a day ahead; bake covered and refrigerate, then reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking, stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, ground beef casserole, easy rice casserole, baked beef and rice dish, comforting casserole, one-dish meal
