Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I flipped through my recipe collection one rainy afternoon, a familiar craving emerged – the comforting hug of a warm casserole. Enter the Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, a dish that never fails to wrap me in a blanket of nostalgia. This one-pan meal is not just a lifesaver for busy weeknights; it’s also incredibly customizable, letting you swap in ingredients that suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Picture savory ground beef mingling with creamy mushroom soup, all topped off with melty cheddar cheese – it’s pure comfort food bliss! Plus, with minimal cleanup, you’ll have more time to enjoy those precious moments spent around the dinner table. Ready to create a new family favorite? Let’s dive in! Why is this casserole a must-try? Simplicity at Its Finest: This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is incredibly easy to whip up, making it the ideal choice for those busy weeknights. Flavor Explosion: The savory ground beef and creamy mushroom soup create a mouthwatering combination that everyone will adore. Customizable Goodness: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or cheese, making it as unique as your taste buds desire. One-Pan Wonder: With just one dish to prepare, you’ll save time on cleanup, allowing you to relish in more joyful moments with your family. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: It’s hard to resist a cheesy, hearty, and comforting dish like this! Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering of friends, this casserole will impress everyone at the table. Looking for more one-pan dishes? Check out our one-pan meal collection for more delicious options! Hamburger Rice Casserole Ingredients • Looking to make this comfort dish? Here’s what you need! For the Casserole Ground Beef – Provides protein and robust flavor; feel free to swap with ground turkey for a lighter version. Cream of Mushroom Soup – Adds creaminess and depth; try using cream of chicken soup for a different flavor twist. Cheddar Cheese – Brings a rich, melty texture; substitute with mozzarella or a cheese blend for extra cheesiness. Rice (long grain white or brown) – Acts as the base, soaking up the delicious flavors; instant rice can be used but adjust cooking time accordingly. Beef Broth – Enhances moisture and flavor; use low-sodium options if watching salt intake. Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper) – Elevates the overall taste; adjust to your personal preference. Optional Add-ins Diced Vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) – Boosts nutrition and adds color; feel free to use frozen varieties for convenience. Jalapeños – For those who love a spicy kick, dice some up and mix in! This satisfying Hamburger Rice Casserole is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies at your next family gathering. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hamburger Rice Casserole Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your Hamburger Rice Casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly. While the oven heats up, gather your ingredients and get ready to dive into creating this comforting dish! Step 2: Brown the Beef In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, about 5–7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart, stirring occasionally to cook it evenly. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease to keep your casserole from being too oily. Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Skillet Add the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and rice to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed and coated with the creamy mixture. Cook this on low heat for about 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, and carefully pour the beef and rice mixture into the dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring all the rice is submerged in the sauce. This will create the perfect base for your Hamburger Rice Casserole. Step 5: Top with Cheese Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Make sure to cover the entire surface to ensure that you get that delicious melty cheese in every bite. This cheesy topping is what makes the Hamburger Rice Casserole truly irresistible! Step 6: Bake to Perfection Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end; you want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown, and the rice should be tender yet firm, soaking up all those flavorful juices. Step 7: Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the casserole set a bit for easier serving. Slice into portions, and enjoy this delightful ultimate Hamburger Rice Casserole with your family! How to Store and Freeze Hamburger Rice Casserole Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring you can savor that comforting flavor all week long. Freezer: Tightly cover the casserole with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep the flavors intact. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15–20 minutes, ensuring your Hamburger Rice Casserole is just as delicious as when it was freshly made. Serving Size Tip: Consider portioning out servings before freezing, so you have quick, easy meals ready to go whenever you need a comforting bite. Hamburger Rice Casserole Variations Feel free to venture beyond the classic recipe and explore exciting alternatives that will enhance your casserole experience! Turkey Swap: Substituting ground turkey for beef offers a lighter dish without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for those seeking a healthier option! Creamy Twist: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead, introducing a different but equally delicious creamy base that will surprise your taste buds. Cheese Blend: Opt for a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a gooey texture that lifts the casserole to new heights. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your cheese preferences! Brown Rice Benefits: Try brown rice for a wholesome twist; just be mindful of the cooking time, as it may need a bit longer to absorb all those wonderful flavors. Hearty Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach for added nutrition. This is a great way to sneak in veggies with vibrant colors that’ll brighten your dish! Spicy Kick: Want to heat things up? Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to turn the comfort food into a zesty delight. Cheesy Alternatives: For a unique cheese element, experiment with feta or gouda instead of the usual cheddar. Each brings a distinct flavor profile that can refresh this classic dish. Cauliflower Rice: Switch it up by using cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. This substitution will create a light, satisfying, and gluten-free casserole everyone will enjoy. With so many variations to choose from, the comforting warmth of your Hamburger Rice Casserole can be tailored to fit any mood or occasion. Want more inspiration on versatile meals? Discover our one-pan meal collection for more delicious ideas! Expert Tips for Hamburger Rice Casserole Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate overnight; this not only saves time but enhances the flavors. Freezing Friendly: Tightly cover and freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for perfect taste. Vegetable Boost: Add frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots to the mix for extra nutrition and color. Just adjust cooking time slightly for fresher veggies. Watch the Bake Time: Monitor the baking closely to avoid overcooking; you want fluffy rice, not mushy! Aim for that perfect tender texture in your Hamburger Rice Casserole. Spice It Up: Want some heat? Diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes can be delicious additions, appealing to those who enjoy a kick in their comfort food! Make Ahead Options This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time on those busy weeknights! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just assemble the mixture, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time for perfectly baked results. If you prefer, you can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months; be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To maintain that delicious creamy texture, avoid overbaking and keep an eye on the cheese, ensuring it melts just right. Enjoy your time saved and the comfort of a home-cooked meal! What to Serve with Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole There’s something soothing about pairing a warm casserole with sides that elevate the entire meal experience. Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, adding a crunchy texture to your comforting dish. A little garlic-infused butter on toasted bread creates a mouthwatering aromatic balance that’s hard to resist. Steamed Broccoli: The slight bitterness of broccoli provides a beautiful contrast to the richness of the casserole. Its bright green color also adds visual appeal to your plate, making the meal feel vibrant and wholesome. Side Salad: A refreshing garden salad with crisp greens and tangy dressing offers a delightful crunch that complements the hearty casserole. Toss in your favorite vegetables for a personalized touch! Coleslaw: The creamy and tangy notes in coleslaw harmonize beautifully with the savory flavors of the casserole. It’s a fun, crunchy counterpart that many will love, especially at gatherings. Baked Sweet Potatoes: These naturally sweet and fluffy bites add a comforting twist to your meal. Their softness contrasts the casserole’s texture, while their subtle sweetness balances the flavors perfectly. Apple Crisp: If you’re looking for a dessert that sings of home and nostalgia, serve a warm apple crisp. The sweet, spiced apples and buttery topping are a delightful finish that complements the savory casserole. Iced Tea: A tall glass of lightly sweetened iced tea refreshes your palate and brings a hint of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the casserole. Each of these options enhances the experience, making your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole the star of a delightful, hearty meal! Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe FAQs What type of rice is best for this casserole? For the best results, I recommend using long grain white rice, as it absorbs flavors beautifully. If you prefer a quicker option, instant rice works too, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly; it typically cooks in about 5 minutes. Just keep an eye on it during the baking process to ensure everything melds together without becoming mushy. How should I store leftovers? Absolutely! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to avoid excess moisture, which can spoil the casserole faster. Can I freeze this Hamburger Rice Casserole? Yes, you can! Simply let it cool completely, then tightly cover the casserole dish with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until piping hot. What can I do if my casserole is too dry? If you find that the casserole comes out a bit dry, there are a couple of solutions! First, you can add a splash of beef broth or water on top before covering it for reheating. Alternatively, if you’re preparing it and want to ensure it stays moist, increase the liquid slightly next time you make it, adding an extra ¼ cup of broth should do the trick! Is there a gluten-free version of this casserole? Certainly! To create a gluten-free Hamburger Rice Casserole, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, which many brands offer. Make sure to check the labels for beef broth and seasonings, ensuring they are gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy all the cheesy goodness without any worries! Can I include vegetables in the casserole? Very much so! Feel free to add some color and nutrition; I often throw in frozen peas or corn directly into the mixture before baking. If you use fresh veggies like carrots, chop them finely and consider pre-cooking them slightly to ensure they’re tender after baking. This will not only enhance flavor but also provide added nutrition in every delightful bite! Satisfying Hamburger Rice Casserole That Everyone Loves This Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting one-pan dish combining savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, rice, and cheddar cheese for a delightful family dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: Comfort FoodCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole1 pound Ground Beef Feel free to swap with ground turkey.1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup Try cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.2 cups Cheddar Cheese Substitute with mozzarella or a cheese blend.1 cup Rice (long grain white or brown) Instant rice can be used with adjusted cooking time.1 cup Beef Broth Use low-sodium options if desired.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder1 teaspoon Onion Powder1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to personal preference.1 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to personal preference.Optional Add-ins1 cup Diced Vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) Frozen varieties can be used.1 small Jalapeños For a spicy kick. Equipment Skillet9x13-inch baking dishSpatulaWooden Spoon Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease.Add the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and rice to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir well and cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes.Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and pour the beef and rice mixture into it, spreading it evenly.Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg NotesYou can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavors. Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
