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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Remove excess grease from the meat to ensure a lighter, less greasy dish.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, and beef broth into the skillet, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper.
- 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.
- Transfer the savory beef and rice mixture into a prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, creating a complete cheese coverage.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
- 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