Savory Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort arrives with this hearty cheesy hamburger rice casserole that promises a delightful meal for hungry souls.

Layers of savory ground beef mingle perfectly with tender rice and melted cheese.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions, and this recipe answers that call brilliantly.

Home cooks appreciate dishes that come together quickly without compromising on flavor.

Families will devour every last morsel of this warm, inviting casserole.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling top that makes you want to dig right in.

Let’s uncover how these classic ingredients combine into something truly magical.

What Makes Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Great

• Comfort Food Champion: A hearty, satisfying dish that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with every single bite.
• Simplicity Wins: Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Family Meal Hero: Packed with protein, cheese, and familiar flavors that kids and adults will love, creating a crowd-pleasing meal everyone can enjoy together.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, carbs, and cheese in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and making mealtime stress-free for busy families.

Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• White Rice: A classic base ingredient that absorbs flavors and creates a comforting texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds delicious cheesy goodness.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: A creamy element that helps bind the casserole and adds depth of flavor.
• Sour Cream: Provides a tangy richness and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Beef Broth, Garlic, Onion: These ingredients work together to enhance the overall savory profile of the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that add balanced and robust flavor to the casserole.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, optional herb that adds a fresh touch of color and subtle freshness.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the ground beef and preventing sticking.

Step-by-Step Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). This will create the perfect environment for our mouthwatering casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Rice Base

In a medium pot, bring beef broth to a rolling boil. Gently add uncooked rice, turn down the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the rice becomes tender and fluffy.

Set aside when done.

Step 3: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in ground beef and diced onion. Break up the beef as it sizzles and browns, cooking for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.

Sprinkle in minced garlic and cook for an extra minute. Drain away any excess fat.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Cooked rice
• Beef and onion mixture
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until it’s beautifully blended and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes.

If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve piping hot alongside your favorite side dishes and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Helpful Tips for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey to reduce fat and create a leaner dish while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Use low-sodium beef broth and cream of mushroom soup to control salt intake without compromising taste.
• Enhance texture by adding diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrition and color.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier, preventing a runny consistency.
• For a crispy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before the final baking stage to create a golden, crunchy layer.

Creative Twists for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce or certified gluten-free condensed soup to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Casserole: Add diced green chilies, taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-inspired variation that brings extra heat and excitement to the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate version that keeps the creamy, cheesy texture while reducing overall calorie content.

Pairing Ideas for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Comfort Food Feast: A hearty meal perfect for family dinners, pairing wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Easily transportable in a covered dish, this casserole becomes an instant crowd-favorite at gatherings, offering warm, cheesy goodness that everyone will love.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this dish in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy families seeking a satisfying meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion and freeze individual servings for convenient grab-and-go lunches or dinners during hectic weeks, ensuring delicious nutrition is always within reach.

Best Storage for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing the container.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically love this cheesy, comforting dish. The mild flavors and cheesy texture make it appealing to children, and it’s an easy way to get them to eat protein and rice.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice works, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time and liquid. Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking, so increase broth by 1/4 cup and extend rice cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, choose low-fat cream of mushroom soup, use reduced-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or peas to boost nutritional value.

Creamy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Midwestern cheesy hamburger rice casserole merges hearty ground beef with creamy rice and melted cheese. Home cooks appreciate this simple, satisfying dish that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the rice by bringing beef broth to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Add uncooked rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until grains are tender and liquid is absorbed.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, breaking meat into small crumbles while cooking for 5-7 minutes until completely browned.
3. Incorporate minced garlic into the beef mixture and cook for an additional minute. Drain any accumulated grease to ensure a crisp texture.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, seasoned beef, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the combined mixture, spreading it evenly across the surface. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top for a golden, melted finish.
6. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and slightly crispy.
7. Allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and serve immediately with complementary side dishes.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains delicious flavor profile.
• Use low-sodium beef broth and reduced-fat cheese to create a healthier alternative without compromising taste and texture.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or spinach during the mixing stage for extra vegetables and vibrant colors.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, making meal prep convenient for busy households.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 448 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg