Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole – Hearty, Creamy & Family-Friendly

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a warm, satisfying, one-pan wonder made with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s rich, savory, and creamy—perfect for weeknight dinners, picky eaters, or make-ahead meal prep. The best part? It’s budget-friendly and built from pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

Loaded with beefy flavor, gooey cheddar, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together, this is the kind of cozy comfort food that brings everyone to the table fast.

---

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

• Simple ingredients – no fancy groceries needed

• One skillet, minimal dishes

• Customizable with veggies, spices, or different cheeses

• Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers

• A perfect crowd-pleasing dinner

If you love the nostalgic taste of creamy casseroles with that classic “mom’s kitchen” flavor, this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is your new go-to.

---

Ingredients Overview: What You Need & Why

1. Ground Beef

Lean ground beef (85–90%) works best—just enough fat for flavor without greasiness. Adds the hearty base and protein punch.

2. Uncooked White Rice

Regular long grain white rice is ideal. It cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the broth and beef. You can also use jasmine rice for added aroma.

3. Cheddar Cheese

Mild or sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives that crave-worthy gooey top. Feel free to mix with mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

4. Cream of Mushroom Soup

Creates the creamy, savory binder. You can substitute with cream of chicken or a homemade roux if desired.

5. Beef Broth

Infuses the rice and meat with deep flavor. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.

6. Onion & Garlic

Build flavor right at the base. You can dice fresh onions or use onion powder in a pinch.

7. Butter or Oil

Used to sauté the onion and brown the beef.

Optional Add-ins:

• Frozen peas, corn, or carrots for extra veggies

• Paprika, Italian seasoning, or thyme for flavor depth

• Sour cream for tangy richness

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

• In a large oven-safe skillet or deep sauté pan, heat 1 tbsp oil or butter over medium heat.

• Add 1 small diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.

• Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

• Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute.

• Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add Rice and Liquids

• Stir in:

  • 1 cup uncooked white rice

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

  • 2 cups beef broth

• Add salt and pepper to taste (¼ tsp each is a good start), plus ½ tsp paprika or any other seasoning you prefer.

Step 3: Simmer

• Stir everything together.

• Cover and reduce heat to low.

• Simmer for 18–20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. (Add a splash more broth if rice needs more time.)

Step 4: Add Cheese

• Once rice is cooked, stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

• Sprinkle another ½–1 cup cheese on top.

• Cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted.

  • OR: Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes for a bubbly, golden top.

Step 5: Rest & Serve

• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions, if desired.

---

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips

• Use pre-cooked rice to save time—just reduce broth by 1 cup and skip the simmer step.

• Broil at the end for a beautiful bubbly cheese topping.

• Keep it low mess by using an oven-safe skillet like cast iron or enameled sauté pans.

Variations

• Add vegetables: peas, green beans, corn, or bell peppers go great in this casserole.

• Spice it up with diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

• Use cream of chicken or cream of celery for a flavor twist.

Substitutions

• Ground beef → ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles

• Cream of mushroom → homemade cream sauce or cream of chicken

• Cheddar → Colby Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss

---

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Serve With:

• Garlic bread or crusty rolls

• Green salad or steamed green beans

• Pickles or slaw for contrast

Great For:

• Family dinners

• Potlucks and gatherings

• Meal prep and freezer meals

• Kids’ lunchboxes (reheats well!)

---

Nutritional & Health Notes

This casserole is:

• Rich in protein and carbs—great for growing kids or active eaters

• Easily made gluten-free with GF cream soup and broth

• Freezer-friendly for batch cooking

• Customizable for lower fat or dairy-free options

To make it lighter:

• Use ground turkey or lean beef

• Use low-fat cheese and light cream soup

• Swap half the rice with cauliflower rice

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes! Use about 2½ cups cooked rice and reduce broth to just ½–¾ cup. Heat everything through and mix with cheese—skip the long simmer.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble it, refrigerate covered, and bake or reheat when ready to serve. Keeps well for 3–4 days in the fridge.

3. Can I freeze Hamburger Rice Casserole?

Yes! Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth.

4. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom?

Swap for cream of chicken, cream of celery, or make a quick homemade roux (butter + flour + milk + broth + seasoning).

5. How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the rice, or warm in the oven at 350°F covered with foil.

6. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Use plant-based meat crumbles, vegetable broth, and a vegetarian cream soup or homemade alternative.

7. Can I make this in the oven?

Yes. After assembling the mixture, transfer to a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes, then uncover and top with cheese for 10 more minutes.

Print