Name: Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
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)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a warm, comforting dish that brings together the best of cheesy, savory, and hearty flavors, then this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is about to become your new go-to favorite. It’s a one-dish wonder that combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and creamy mushroom soup, all topped with melted cheddar cheese that adds that perfect golden finish. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a cozy meal, this casserole delivers satisfying, rich flavors with every bite.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a key role in building flavor, texture, and that inviting home-cooked appeal. Every component, from the ground beef to the fresh parsley garnish, comes together to create a balanced and delicious casserole.

1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory base for the dish.
1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
1 garlic clove, minced: Gives a subtle aromatic boost that lifts the flavor profile.
1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked: Absorbs the cooking liquids and creates a fluffy texture.
2 cups beef broth: Infuses the rice with rich, meaty flavor and helps it cook perfectly.
1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Adds creamy moisture and a savory mushroom undertone.
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into a gooey topping that makes this casserole irresistibly cheesy.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spice and balance.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and a hint of smoky color.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a pop of fresh, bright flavor and a lovely garnish contrast.

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 step ensures your casserole won’t stick to the dish and makes for easy serving later.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft. Once browned, drain any excess fat for a lighter casserole without sacrificing flavor.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Broth

To the skillet, stir in the uncooked long-grain rice along with the beef broth and the cream of mushroom soup. Season everything with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for five minutes to start soaking in all those flavors.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Transfer the hearty beef and rice mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in moisture, and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. This gentle baking allows the rice to cook fully without drying out.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then return the casserole uncovered to the oven. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crust that’s absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole. This simple garnish adds color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness, perfect for rounding out the dish.

How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic choice for a bright, slightly peppery finish, but you can also top with sliced green onions or a dollop of sour cream to add an extra creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans, and even garlic bread. The balance of rich, cheesy indulgence and fresh or crunchy sides makes for a satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or scoop it into lettuce cups as a hearty, hand-held dinner option. You could also top it with jalapeños or hot sauce to add a spicy kick that complements the cheesy beef mix beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well! To freeze, place your cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing any of its delicious flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave individual portions until heated through. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top while reheating is always a great idea!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for the casserole?

Absolutely! While long-grain rice works best for its fluffy texture, you can use white or brown rice. Just remember brown rice will require a longer simmering and baking time to cook thoroughly.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian-friendly option.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to the beef mixture can boost nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before mixing everything together.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar cheese is the classic choice here for its sharp flavor and great melting quality. However, you can try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend to change the flavor profile slightly.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Simple! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture, or serve with hot sauce on the side for those who love a spicy kick with their cheesy comfort food.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s warm, cheesy, and downright satisfying, this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole has all the right moves. It’s easy to prepare, comforting, and versatile enough to please all kinds of palates. I promise once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation!

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty meal combining ground beef, rice, and a creamy mushroom soup base, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in a single casserole.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook Ground Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is thoroughly browned. Drain off any excess fat to reduce grease in the casserole.
Add Rice and Liquids: Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet, followed by the beef broth and cream of mushroom soup. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes to begin cooking the rice and combine flavors.
Transfer and Bake Covered: Pour the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving hot.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
For added vegetables, consider mixing in chopped bell peppers or frozen peas before baking.
If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.
Using a low-sodium beef broth can help control the salt content.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: American