Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-pan dish that brings together savory ground beef, tender rice, and melty cheese in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this classic casserole combines simple pantry ingredients into a satisfying meal everyone will love. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and easy to customize with vegetables or spices.
Whether baked in the oven or simmered on the stovetop, it delivers rich, cheesy goodness in every bite. Serve it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete, no-fuss dinner that’s warm, filling, and deliciously nostalgic.
If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and affordable dinner option, this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the perfect solution.
It’s made with simple pantry staples—ground beef, rice, cheese, and canned soup—and comes together quickly, making it a family favorite for busy weeknights. Creamy, savory, and full of flavor, this dish is a one-pan wonder that’s both filling and budget-friendly.
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Description
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal that combines ground beef, fluffy rice, creamy soup, and plenty of melted cheese.
This budget-friendly casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, feeding a hungry family with minimal prep.
Browned hamburger meat is mixed with cooked rice, cream of mushroom or cheddar soup, onions, and seasoning, then topped with shredded cheese and baked until bubbly and golden.
It’s customizable with vegetables like bell peppers or corn and pairs well with a simple salad or steamed greens.
Easy to prepare, cheesy, and satisfying—this dish is a cozy, crowd-pleasing classic.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
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Add Rice and Seasonings
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the rice is evenly coated and begins to toast slightly—about 1–2 minutes. -
Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar soup, and milk. Stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet or pan with a tight-fitting lid and let simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. -
Add Cheese
Once the rice is cooked and the mixture is thick and creamy, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed. -
Top and Bake (Optional)
For a golden, cheesy topping, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned on top. -
Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a family-favorite comfort dish known for its hearty, satisfying layers of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, melty cheese, and often a creamy or tomato-based binder.
Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or as make-ahead freezer meals, here are some tried-and-true tips and serving tricks to elevate this humble casserole.
Cooking & Preparation Tips
- Use Cooked Rice for Best Texture:
Pre-cooked rice (white, brown, or even wild rice) works best in this casserole to avoid soggy or undercooked results. Leftover rice from the fridge is ideal—it absorbs flavor well and holds its shape better during baking. - Brown the Ground Beef Well:
Don’t rush this step. Browning adds rich umami flavor. Sauté the beef until nicely caramelized. For extra depth, consider adding a small amount of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or tomato paste during browning. - Drain Excess Fat:
After browning the meat, drain off the excess grease unless you're using very lean ground beef. This helps avoid an overly greasy casserole. - Add Aromatics for Flavor:
Onions, garlic, and bell peppers sautéed with the meat add dimension. A dash of paprika, onion powder, or Italian seasoning enhances the dish without overpowering it. - Choose Your Binding Wisely:
Use condensed soups (cream of mushroom, tomato, or cheddar cheese) or a quick homemade white sauce to bind everything together. For a tomato-based version, combine tomato sauce and a touch of sour cream or cream cheese for balance. - Mix in Veggies for Nutrition:
Frozen mixed vegetables, chopped spinach, broccoli florets, or corn can all be added for color and nutrients. No need to pre-cook frozen veggies—just stir them in and bake.
Cheese Layering Tricks
- Use Multiple Cheeses:
Combining cheeses like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack boosts flavor and creaminess. Add half in the mix and reserve half for topping. - Cheese on Top Only at the End:
To prevent the cheese from getting too brown or hard, add the top cheese layer in the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips
- Make-Ahead Option:
Assemble the casserole fully and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temp for 15–20 minutes before placing in the oven. - Freezer-Friendly:
Freeze unbaked or baked casseroles in an aluminum pan wrapped tightly in foil. Label with date and instructions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, until hot throughout.
Serving Tricks
- Portion for Meal Prep:
Cut into individual squares and pack with a side salad or fruit for grab-and-go lunches. - Pair with a Fresh Side:
Since the casserole is rich, serve it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans to balance the plate. - Top with Crunch:
For texture contrast, top with crushed Ritz crackers, French-fried onions, or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before the final cheese layer. - Customize for Picky Eaters:
Make two smaller casseroles: one basic (just beef, rice, and cheese) and one loaded (with veggies and spice) to suit different palates. - Add a Sauce Drizzle:
Offer optional toppings like sriracha, ketchup, ranch, or BBQ sauce on the side—fun for kids and flavor-lovers.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t use instant rice: It will get mushy. Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best.
- For a spicier kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or chopped green chilies.
- Add veggies: Diced bell peppers, peas, or corn can be added while cooking the beef.
- Make it creamy: Use cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness (add ¼ cup after simmering).
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Variations
- Mexican-style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and salsa instead of mushroom soup.
- Italian-style: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, add marinara sauce and oregano.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Let leftovers cool and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze before or after baking.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is satisfying, customizable, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week.
It delivers all the creamy, savory flavors of comfort food with minimal effort and cleanup. Whether baked or simply finished on the stovetop, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Final Tip: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the cheese to set and the rice to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve clean portions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice?
Yes, instant rice can be used for convenience. However, reduce the cooking time and liquid slightly, as instant rice absorbs faster. If the casserole includes uncooked long-grain rice, swap it with pre-cooked instant rice and add it during the last 15–20 minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar cheese is the most popular choice due to its bold flavor and great meltability. You can also use a blend like cheddar and mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses if possible, as they contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
How can I make it healthier?
For a lighter version, substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for beef. Use low-fat cheese and unsweetened almond milk or low-sodium broth instead of whole milk or cream. Adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can boost nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
