Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
It’s incredibly easy: just brown the beef, stir in a few pantry staples, cover and simmer, then finish under the broiler.
It uses minimal but flavorful ingredients, making it ideal when you want comfort food without a long ingredient list.
The melted cheese on top adds indulgence, while the dish still delivers a complete meal with beef, rice, and tomato.
It’s versatile enough to customize with extra seasonings, veggies, or cheeses to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
1 (10.75-oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
½ cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Crumble the ground beef into a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until evenly browned. Drain off the grease.
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Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, the diced tomatoes (with their juice), and the uncooked rice. Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked (about 15 minutes).
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Preheat the oven broiler. When the rice mixture is done, transfer the contents of the skillet to a casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
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Broil until the cheese is melted and lightly toasted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Approximate total time:
Preparation: ~10 minutes
Cooking (simmering rice mixture): ~15 minutes
Broiling: ~2–3 minutes
Total: ~27–30 minutes
Variations
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Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor.
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Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smokier profile.
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Stir in chopped vegetables such as bell pepper, onion, or mushrooms when browning the beef for extra color and nutrition.
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Replace the mozzarella with cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend for a sharper or spicier cheese topping.
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For gluten-free: ensure your soup and diced tomatoes are gluten-free certified.
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If you prefer a baked version instead of broiling, after assembling in the casserole dish bake at 190 °C (375 °F) for 20–25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
Storage/Reheating
To store: Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Preheat your oven to around 175 °C (350 °F), place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil and heat until warmed through (~15–20 minutes). Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you’d like to refresh the broiled cheese top.
Alternatively, individual servings can be microwaved on high for 1–2 minutes (depending on your microwave), stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
What kind of rice should I use?
Long-grain white rice is used in the original recipe, and it cooks properly in the simmering stage. You could substitute with other rice types, but cooking times and liquid ratios may differ.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes — you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. Just brown it thoroughly before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can use another “cream of” soup (like cream of chicken) or make a quick homemade version by combining equal parts of milk and heavy cream with flour and sautéed mushrooms or onion.
Can I cook the rice separately first?
Yes — you could cook the rice separately and then combine it with the beef, soup and tomatoes in a casserole dish. If you do that, shorten the stovetop simmering time since the rice is already cooked.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
While you can freeze the casserole, the texture of the rice and cheese may change slightly when thawed and reheated. For best results, freeze portions and reheat gently.
How can I make it spicier?
Add chopped jalapeño, a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or substitute pepper jack cheese for mozzarella.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would all work well added during the beef-browning stage.
What sides go well with this casserole?
A simple green salad, steamed broccoli or green beans, or garlic bread would pair nicely without complicating the meal.
Why is the cheese only ¾ cup?
The original recipe calls for ¾ cup shredded mozzarella, which gives a good cheese layer without overpowering the dish. You can increase the amount if you prefer a thicker cheese topping.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes — substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground “meat” alternative or cooked lentils, use a vegetarian cream soup, and vegetable broth if needed. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is an easy, satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes and still delivers warm comfort. Whether you stick to the original method or personalize it with extra veggies and spices, it’s a reliable go-to when you want hearty, simple cooking with minimal fuss. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth cheese layer, the tender rice, and the rich beef-tomato base—all in one skillet-to-oven dish
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Hamburger Jazz is a quick and comforting ground beef dish mixed with tomato soup, corn, and cooked rice, creating a flavorful and filling one-pan meal.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato soup and corn, and cook until heated through.
- Add the cooked rice, and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue cooking over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and flavors meld, about 5 minutes.
Notes
- You can substitute the white rice with brown rice for a healthier option.
- Try adding shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.
- This recipe is great for using leftover rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
