Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering a hearty blend of flavors and textures. The savory ground beef is paired with soft rice and topped with melty cheese, creating a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and filling. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or something to bring to a potluck, this casserole checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups beef broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and uncooked rice. Mix well.
Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Total Time: 50-60 minutes (including prep time)

Variations

Vegetable Add-ins: Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
Different Cheese: Swap the cheddar and mozzarella with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Spicy Option: Add a can of diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then cook as directed, adding extra time if needed.

3. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook, so you may need to increase the baking time and add a bit more broth to ensure it cooks through.

4. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be substituted for the beef if you prefer a leaner or different flavor.

5. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Brown the meat and onions first, then combine everything in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, adding the cheese in the last 15 minutes of cooking.

6. Can I add more cheese?

Feel free to add as much cheese as you like! You can increase the amount of shredded cheddar or mozzarella, or even try adding a cheese like Parmesan for extra flavor.

7. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup with another type of soup?

Yes, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade creamy sauce if you prefer a different flavor.

8. How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

9. Can I use instant rice for this recipe?

It’s best to use regular uncooked rice for this casserole to ensure the texture is right. Instant rice may not cook properly in the casserole.

10. What sides would go well with this casserole?

Serve this casserole with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or some garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a satisfying and easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its savory beef, tender rice, and melty cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple to make, and you can customize it to your liking with different cheeses, vegetables, or meats. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a make-ahead meal, this casserole has you covered!

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

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Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting one-pan dish that combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, melted cheese, and savory seasonings. This easy, family-friendly casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, offering hearty portions with minimal prep time. It’s the ultimate solution when you’re craving comfort food with a cheesy twist!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Casseroles
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Add the rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix everything together until well combined.
Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.
Pour the beef and rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the milk and mix gently to combine.
Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese and cover with aluminum foil.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese has melted. If you prefer a golden top, uncover the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add vegetables like peas or bell peppers to make the casserole even more nutritious.
For extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle some extra cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
If you prefer a creamier texture, substitute the milk with heavy cream.