Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish—savory, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy. This casserole brings together simple pantry staples like ground beef, rice, cheese, and tomatoes into a warm, baked meal that tastes like home. It’s a fuss-free, one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy families or anyone craving a nostalgic dinner.
What makes this casserole so lovable is its simplicity and adaptability. You don’t need fancy ingredients or special skills—just a skillet, a baking dish, and about an hour. The seasoned hamburger adds a rich, meaty base, while the rice soaks up all the flavor. A generous layer of melty cheddar cheese ties everything together into a gooey, golden-topped bake.
You’ll love it for its flexibility too. Toss in veggies like bell peppers or corn for a nutrition boost, or spice it up with taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist. It also reheats beautifully, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, planning a potluck, or just need a reliable, satisfying dinner, Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole checks every box. It’s warm, comforting, and endlessly customizable—everything a casserole should be.
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Description
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
It's made with simple ingredients—ground beef, rice, cheese, and a creamy sauce—that come together to create a one-dish meal the whole family will love.
Easy to prepare and even better as leftovers, this casserole is a great way to use pantry staples in a filling, flavorful way.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or baking pan with nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper for about 3 minutes, until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into small crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme (or Italian seasoning), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar soup, and beef broth. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
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Add 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir again. This helps to bind the casserole and infuse it with cheesy goodness throughout.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Cover the dish tightly with foil—this is crucial to help the rice cook through in the oven.
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Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 50–55 minutes. At the 50-minute mark, check to see if the rice is tender by inserting a fork in the center and fluffing slightly.
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Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes scooping easier.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 13g65%
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 26g52%
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 2.4 mg
* 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: Tips, Serving Suggestions & Tricks for a Perfect Comfort Dish
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a cozy, satisfying meal that blends seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and gooey cheese into one dish that everyone loves. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and flexible—perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. Below are some essential tips, creative tricks, and smart serving ideas to help you make the most of this classic casserole.
Cooking Tips
- Choose the Right Rice
Use long grain white rice or parboiled rice for best texture. Avoid instant rice, as it may get mushy or overcooked. If using brown rice, increase the liquid and extend the cook time by 10–15 minutes. - Pre-Cook the Rice
While some recipes cook rice in the casserole, pre-cooking it ensures more even results. Fluff the rice before adding it to the casserole to avoid clumping. - Drain the Beef Well
After browning your ground beef, drain off excess grease. This keeps the dish from becoming too oily and helps the cheese and sauce cling better. - Add Aromatics
Sauté chopped onions, garlic, or bell peppers with the beef for deeper flavor. A little tomato paste also enhances richness. - Flavor the Liquid
Instead of plain water, use beef broth, chicken broth, or a mix of broth and milk to cook or mix with the casserole. This infuses every bite with extra savory goodness. - Mix in Veggies
Add frozen peas, corn, green beans, or carrots to make the dish more balanced and colorful. Stir them in with the rice or sprinkle on top before baking. - Cheese Choices Matter
Sharp cheddar is a classic, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a twist. For a creamy texture, add a dollop of sour cream or a can of cream of mushroom or cheddar soup. - Cover While Baking
Keep the casserole covered with foil for the first 30 minutes to keep it moist. Remove the foil in the last 10–15 minutes to brown the top and melt the cheese to perfection.
Tricks to Level It Up
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne, a splash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for heat lovers.
- Stretch the Meal: Add a can of beans or an extra cup of rice to make it go further, especially for large families or potlucks.
- Use Leftovers: This dish is great for repurposing leftovers. Mix in leftover taco meat, rotisserie chicken, or even roasted veggies.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake it the next day—just add 10 minutes to the cook time.
- Freezer Friendly: Let the casserole cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Balance the richness with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Top It Fresh: Add sliced green onions, chopped parsley, or crushed tortilla chips on top after baking for added crunch and color.
- Make it a Meal: Serve with warm bread rolls or garlic toast on the side.
- Portion Smartly: For meal prepping, divide the casserole into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Add a Sauce: A drizzle of sour cream, salsa, or even ketchup on the side can personalize each serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Rice Options: Long grain white rice is the most common choice for casseroles like this. If using brown rice, increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes and make sure there’s enough liquid.
- Vegetables: You can mix in frozen peas, corn, or chopped carrots for added nutrition and texture.
- Soup Substitutes: If you prefer homemade versions, you can substitute the canned soups with homemade white sauce or mushroom cream sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for heat. Pepper jack cheese also works great if you like it spicy.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add 10 extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thought
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting classic that’s easy to customize and crowd-pleasing every time. With just a few thoughtful tricks—like flavor-boosting add-ins, veggie upgrades, and smart layering—you can transform a simple dish into a craveable favorite. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is a winning option that delivers hearty flavor with minimal fuss.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ground beef works best for this casserole?
For Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, lean ground beef (around 85% lean, 15% fat) is ideal. It has enough fat to add flavor and moisture, but not so much that it makes the dish greasy.
If using higher-fat beef, drain the excess fat after browning to keep the casserole balanced. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, though you may want to add extra seasoning for flavor.
Can I use instant rice or pre-cooked rice?
Yes! You can use either uncooked instant rice or fully cooked regular rice, depending on the recipe version you're following. If the recipe calls for cooking everything together in one dish, instant rice or parboiled rice works best since it will cook through with the liquid and beef.
If you’re layering or mixing already cooked ingredients, pre-cooked rice is perfect and helps save time. Just ensure there's enough moisture (like broth or canned soup) to keep the dish from drying out.
What cheese works best, and can I mix types?
Cheddar cheese is the most common choice due to its sharp, melty character, but feel free to mix it up! Mozzarella adds stretchiness, Monterey Jack gives it a creamier bite, and pepper jack brings a mild kick. For deeper flavor, combine sharp cheddar with a bit of parmesan or smoked gouda.
Pre-shredded cheese is convenient but contains anti-caking agents that might affect melt quality, so freshly grated cheese is best if possible.
Can this casserole be made ahead or frozen?
Absolutely. You can prepare Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole up to 1 day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate before baking. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, then bake as directed.
It also freezes well—assemble and freeze unbaked, or bake first and freeze individual portions. Use within 2–3 months for best texture. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave.
