Name: Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488350H49M17S
Total time: 45 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 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 27 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole! This dish is everything that’s wonderful about comfort food—satisfying, gooey, packed with flavor, and astonishingly simple to put together. Tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and savory mushroom soup combine beneath a blanket of melted cheddar to deliver the cozy, stick-to-your-ribs meal everyone craves after a long day. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a weeknight treat, this casserole is certain to win you over and have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole lies in its straightforward, dependable ingredients. Each one brings something unique to the table—whether that’s heartiness, savory flavor, or a burst of color—making the end result a balanced, mouthwatering dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Ground beef (1 lb): The rich base of the casserole, providing protein and depth of flavor.
Onion, chopped (1): Elevates everything with natural sweetness and aromatic punch.
Garlic clove, minced (1): Adds a lovely savory undertone that ties the casserole together.
Long-grain rice, uncooked (1 cup): Absorbs all the tasty flavors while giving the casserole its satisfying texture.
Beef broth (2 cups): Infuses the rice and beef with a rich, savory essence.
Cream of mushroom soup, 10.75 oz can (1): Creates that irresistible creaminess everyone loves in a casserole.
Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup): Forms the gooey, golden layer that makes this dish so special.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors—don’t skip it!
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of warmth without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives gentle smokiness and a pop of color to the casserole.
Fresh parsley, chopped (1/4 cup, for garnish): Brightens each portion with freshness and a lovely presentation.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a trusty 9×13 inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. Lining up your ingredients and tools right now will make the rest of the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Cook the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook your ground beef together with chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until the beef browns and the onion becomes soft and fragrant. Take a moment to drain off any excess fat—this prevents your casserole from becoming greasy while keeping all that irresistible beefy goodness.

Step 3: Add Rice, Broth, and Soup

Now it’s time to stir the uncooked rice directly into the skillet, followed by beef broth and creamy mushroom soup. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and paprika. Give everything a good stir, making sure the rice is evenly distributed. Bring this tasty mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This step wakes up the flavors and gives the rice a head start on cooking.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Covered

Transfer the hearty mixture to your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil—this traps in the steam, ensuring both the rice and beef stay perfectly tender. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered

After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle that beautiful layer of shredded cheddar cheese all over the surface. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, bubbly topping and a heavenly cheesy aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is out of the oven, finish it with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. This last touch not only looks gorgeous but also adds a hit of freshness to each serving. Now all that’s left to do is dig in!

How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Garnishes

Don’t skip the chopped parsley—it may seem simple, but it really brightens up every portion of Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, or even a scattering of crispy fried onions for extra crunch and flavor.

Side Dishes

Balance out the savory richness of the casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or some roasted or steamed green beans. Warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any creamy sauce left behind on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style fun, serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole straight from the baking dish at the table so everyone can help themselves. If you’re entertaining, spoon portions into individual ramekins before topping with cheese, then bake for adorable single servings. Leftovers can even be stuffed into bell peppers and baked for a delightful twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors seem to meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Let the dish cool completely, then wrap tightly (or use freezer-safe containers) and store for up to three months. It’s incredibly reassuring to know that a comforting dinner is waiting in the freezer whenever you need it.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a portion into the microwave or warm the casserole (covered with foil) in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout. If reheating from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking so everything heats evenly and perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of your favorites for a new twist and flavor profile.

What kind of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice delivers a fluffy, distinctly separate texture, but you can swap for brown rice if you’d like a nuttier flavor—just add a bit more liquid and allow extra cook time.

Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?

Definitely! Replace the ground beef with your favorite plant-based meat or substitute extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version.

How do I add more spice or flavor?

Turn up the heat by folding in a diced jalapeño, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or incorporating a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the casserole before baking.

Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to bake, simply add a few minutes to the total baking time, and you’ll have a fresh, hot Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a supremely comforting, no-fuss dinner, I can’t recommend Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole enough. It brings together everything you want in a weeknight meal—ease, heartiness, and that unbeatable cheesy factor. Give it a try and let it become your new family favorite!