Savory Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering cheesy hamburger rice casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Layers of savory ground beef intermingle with fluffy rice and melted cheese for a hearty meal.

Home cooks adore this simple yet satisfying dish that comes together quickly.

Weeknight dinners demand something delicious and stress-free, and this recipe delivers perfectly.

Families gather around, eager to dig into the warm, bubbling casserole fresh from the oven.

Rich flavors and creamy textures make this a go-to meal that promises smiles all around.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next cozy evening feast.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Family Feast Night: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, this hearty casserole brings comfort and warmth to dinner time.
• Green Salad Companion: Crisp mixed greens with a light vinaigrette balance the rich, cheesy flavors of the casserole, adding freshness to the meal.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Top with sliced jalapeños, dollops of sour cream, and chopped cilantro for a zesty southwestern-inspired presentation that kicks up the flavor profile.
• Bread Side Kick: Serve with warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and complete the satisfying meal.

Storage Advice to Keep Casserole Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese if desired.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! This casserole combines ground beef, rice, and cheese, which most children love. The mild flavors and cheesy topping make it appealing to young eaters.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but adjust cooking time and liquid amounts since brown rice typically requires more liquid and longer cooking.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef, add extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini, and choose low-fat cheese to reduce calories and increase nutritional value.

• What type of cheese works best for this casserole?

Cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole That Everyone Will Love

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This one-pan wonder transforms ordinary ingredients into a delicious, satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort and cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole delivers maximum flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Combines affordable pantry staples and protein into a filling dish that stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
• Quick Prep Magic: Requires just a few simple steps from skillet to oven, making it perfect for busy families needing a reliable and tasty dinner solution.

Ingredients for Comforting Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.
• Rice: Provides a fluffy and filling foundation for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, melty topping that brings incredible flavor and creaminess.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic: A classic flavor trio that creates a delicious aromatic base for the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy brightness to the overall dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the depth of flavor and helps cook the rice.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the casserole.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) to get ready for a delicious meal.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

In a large skillet, drizzle olive oil and heat over medium flame.

• Diced onion
• Chopped green bell pepper
• Minced garlic

Sauté these until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until it transforms into a rich, golden brown color.

Drain away any extra fat to keep the dish light.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth

Season with salt and pepper for a tasty kick.

Step 5: Simmer And Soften

Let the mixture bubble gently, reducing heat and allowing it to simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Wait until the rice becomes perfectly tender.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Step 7: Melt And Bubble

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a gooey, irresistible topping.

Step 8: Serve And Savor

Pull out your masterpiece and serve immediately while it’s hot and bubbling.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Pro Tips for Creamy and Flavorful Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Cook rice until just tender to avoid mushy consistency, maintaining a perfect al dente texture.
• Use freshly grated cheddar for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Swap bell peppers with zucchini or mushrooms for different flavor profiles and added nutrition.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of paprika for an extra kick of flavor and warmth.

Flavorful Variations to Customize Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Veggie Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains the casserole's hearty texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to create a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that's packed with nutrients.
• Mexican-Inspired Option: Add taco seasoning, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and top with sliced jalapeños for a spicy southwestern-style casserole.
• Mediterranean Remix: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and add oregano and diced kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired variation.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole delivers comfort with ground beef, melted cheese, and fluffy rice. Midwestern home cooking shines in this simple, satisfying one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups beef broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Sauté diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Remove excess grease from the meat to ensure a lighter, less greasy dish.
5. Incorporate diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, and beef broth into the skillet, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper.
6. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
7. Transfer the savory beef and rice mixture into a prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, creating a complete cheese coverage.
9. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and cheese to set.

Notes

• Customize the casserole by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more texture variation.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for increased fiber and a nuttier flavor profile, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.
• Make this dish ahead by preparing the entire casserole and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg