Name: Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate cozy dinner that hits every comfort food note you crave – a golden, bubbling bake with savory beef, fluffy rice, and a gloriously creamy, cheesy finish. Imagine coming home after a long day to the smell of sizzling onions and garlic, the heartiness of beef mingling perfectly with gooey cheddar and a hint of spice. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, fantastic for feeding a hungry family or making sure nobody goes home from a potluck without a smile. If you’re looking for a weeknight winner that’s as satisfying as it is easy, this casserole is about to be your new best friend.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a cabinet full of fancy ingredients to make magic—every single element in Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole plays its part in building big, comforting flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to help each item shine:

Ground beef: Use lean beef for hearty taste with less grease, or regular for extra juiciness.
Onion, chopped: Yellow or sweet onion melts into the dish, adding luscious flavor and aroma.
Garlic clove, minced: One clove is just right for infusing subtle warmth; fresh is best for punchy flavor.
Long-grain rice, uncooked: Gives perfect, fluffy texture—avoid instant for the best results.
Beef broth: Infuses the rice with rich, savory depth as it cooks.
Cream of mushroom soup: Lends creaminess and body that ties every bite together.
Cheddar cheese, shredded: For that classic golden, oozy topping—mild or sharp both work.
Salt: Essential to lift all the other flavors; adjust to your taste and your broth brand.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balances the richness of the casserole.
Paprika: A dash of color plus sweet, smoky undertones—try smoked for even more flavor.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brings a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish to every plate.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for your casserole to bake up hot and bubbly. Give a 9×13 inch baking dish a light coating of oil or nonstick spray—this keeps cleanup easy and helps every cheesy bit slide out perfectly later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium and toss in your ground beef, chopped onion, and garlic. Stir and break up the meat as everything cooks together—the beef should lose its pink and the onion should become soft and fragrant, soaking up all the savory flavors. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat for a lighter, less greasy result.

Step 3: Simmer the Rice Mixture

Now for the flavor bath: stir in the uncooked long-grain rice, pour in the beef broth, and scoop in the cream of mushroom soup. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and paprika, then give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes—this jump-starts the rice so it cooks up tender in the oven.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour that savory rice and beef mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the pan snugly with aluminum foil to trap in steam (that’s the secret to fluffy rice!), and bake for 25 minutes, letting the magic happen as the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the foil—watch out for steam—then shower the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the cheese is melted, golden, and wonderfully bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bright contrast against all that creamy richness. Let it cool for a few minutes so you can slice clean squares, then serve up your irresistible Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole while it’s perfectly hot.

How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Garnishes

Garnishing your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the cherry on top—fresh parsley not only looks gorgeous, but brings a little garden-fresh flavor to each bite. Want to take it up a notch? Try a scatter of thinly sliced green onions or a dusting of smoked paprika for a little drama and subtle extra flavor.

Side Dishes

This casserole plays beautifully with lots of sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and keeps dinner feeling balanced. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots make colorful, nutritious companions. If you’re feeling indulgent, a buttered roll or warm cornbread on the side will soak up every last delicious bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin on serving, try portioning your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner party vibe—it looks festive and everyone gets plenty of golden cheese. Or, serve it in thick scoops over a bed of sautéed greens for a fresh-twist weeknight dinner. Leftover casserole also makes a marvelous filling for stuffed peppers—just scoop, top with cheese, and bake again!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole store beautifully in the fridge, making next-day lunches an absolute treat. Simply let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. It’ll keep for up to 4 days, and you can reheat individual servings as needed.

Freezing

This dish is also a freezer hero! Once the casserole has cooled completely, divide it into portions or leave it whole, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this helps preserve the creamy, cheesy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, take your portion straight from the fridge and microwave until steaming hot, giving it a stir halfway through to ensure even warmth. For larger amounts, cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes. If things look a little dry, add a splash of beef broth before reheating to revive that luscious, creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey will make your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole a little lighter but still incredibly satisfying. Add an extra pinch of salt and maybe a dash of Worcestershire sauce to boost the savory flavor if you wish.

Is it okay to use instant rice?

Instant rice can be used in a pinch, but you’ll want to adjust both the simmering and baking times, as it cooks much faster. Regular long-grain rice delivers the best texture and absorbs flavor over the longer bake.

How spicy is this casserole?

The classic recipe as written isn’t spicy—just deliciously savory and slightly smoky from paprika. If you like a kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne or serve with your favorite hot sauce.

Can I make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole ahead?

Yes! Assemble everything up to adding the cheese, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, bake as instructed, then top with cheese for that melty magic at the end.

What cheese works best?

Classic sharp or mild cheddar is always a safe bet, but you can absolutely mix things up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of pepper jack for zing. Use what you love—the casserole is flexible!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy, family-pleasing dinner, you can’t go wrong with Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. It’s simple to make and brings a little extra joy to the table each time. Give it a try, make it your own, and watch how quickly it disappears. There’s a good chance it’ll become a personal favorite in your home, just as it has in mine!

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 20 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines ground beef, rice, creamy mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in rice, beef broth, and mushroom soup. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Bake Casserole: Transfer mixture to baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
Add Cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American