Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: Easy and Delicious Recipe

It’s giving weeknight magic and grandma’s kitchen all in one. Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole brings that hot, bubbly comfort we all secretly crave and folks on Pinterest and Reddit are loving it. This cozy dish is beginner-friendly, takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, and is exactly what chilly evenings call for. Melty, hearty, and irresistibly easyjust like we remember from family dinners.

This is one of those toss-it-all-in casseroles made with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy tomato-cheese base. It tastes like the best kind of school-night dinner, brimming with nostalgia. Chances are, you already have all the essentials stocked in your pantry and fridge. Full step-by-step breakdown below!

We used to make something similar after Sunday churchstretching ingredients without sacrificing flavor. I tested a few versions to keep it easy but deepen the flavor, and the final result includes a subtle spice twist in the sauce that gives it an extra cozy kick. Perfect for making memories and keeping bellies full.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

This dish is everything you want in a cozy, nostalgic meal. Here’s why it’s one of my family favorites:

• Simple ingredients: No last-minute grocery runsthis dish uses affordable staples you likely have at home.
• Beginner-friendly: No fancy techniques or toolsjust easy steps anyone can follow.
• Family-approved: The cheesy, hearty combo means second servings are almost guaranteed!
• Great for leftovers: It reheats perfectly, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Each ingredient adds something essential to make this cheesy hamburger rice casserole the ultimate comfort food:

Step-By-Step: How to Make It

This cheesy hamburger rice casserole comes together easily. Just follow this straightforward process:

1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until fully cooked (about 7–9 minutes). Drain excess grease.
2. Layer the rice: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom.
3. Mix liquids: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
4. Combine & assemble: Pour the soup mixture over the rice. Add the cooked beef mixture on top and gently press down. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the surface.
5. Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil, then bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Test rice for donenessadd 5 more minutes if needed.
6. Garnish & serve: Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes. Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Want to switch things up? Try these expert swaps and add-ons to make the recipe your own:

• Rice variety: Stick to long-grain white rice for best texture. For brown rice, increase baking time by 10–15 minutes and check liquid levels.
• Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier melt. Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor.
• Add veggies: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots before baking for a balanced meal.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the beef for extra warmth.

How to Store and Reheat

This casserole stores and reheats effortlesslyperfect for busy households:

• Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Assemble (unbaked) and wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven (covered) for 20 minutes. You can also microwave single portions for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to restore creaminess.

Expert Insight: The Appeal of Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Cheesy hamburger rice casserole combines protein, carbs, and creaminess in every bitedelivering a nostalgic flavor that satisfies. The cheese not only adds indulgence but also binds the ingredients into a cohesive, hearty dish. It’s a budget-friendly way to feed a crowd with comfort and ease.

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Finding Comfort in My Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

This cheesy hamburger rice casserole took quite a few dinner experiments to perfect. I found that seasoning the beef generously and letting the cheese melt evenly over time really brought everything together. After many versions, my family now requests this one on repeat. It’s rich, easy, and full of warmthperfect for the busiest of nights.

Conclusion

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the kind of go-to dinner that checks every box: comforting, economical, and satisfying. Made with ingredients you likely have on hand, it’s a budget-friendly favorite that bakes up melty, savory, and golden every time.

Don’t be afraid to get creativeswap cheeses, stir in vegetables, or double the batch for a crowd. With simple prep and oven time under an hour, it’s a delicious way to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor. And the leftovers? Just as satisfying the next day with a splash of broth and quick reheat.

Did your family grow up with a dish like this too? I’d love to hear your take or see your photosfeel free to share and keep the comfort going. Grab that casserole dish and make it a new favorite tonight!

Yesica Andrews

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: Easy and Delicious Recipe

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese into a hearty and satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this easy cheesy hamburger rice casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s full of flavor. Enjoy this cheese ground beef and rice casserole as a delicious, easy meal the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and paprika; mix well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
7. Remove from oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8. Return to oven uncovered and bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For a creamier casserole, add a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before baking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.