Zesty Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort food reaches new heights with this cheesy hamburger rice casserole that promises to satisfy serious hunger pangs.

Melted cheese blankets seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice in a delightful one-dish marvel.

Home cooks appreciate simple ingredients that come together quickly and effortlessly.

Hearty and filling, this meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

Everyone from busy parents to solo diners will adore this budget-friendly classic.

Warm, gooey, and packed with protein, this casserole transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special.

Grab a fork and get ready to devour every delicious bite!

Storage Instructions for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, storing for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

FAQs About Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• What makes the ground beef tender and flavorful?

Draining excess fat and cooking it with onions and garlic helps seal in moisture and enhance the meat’s natural flavors, creating a more delicious and tender protein base for the casserole.

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or jasmine rice, but adjust cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly to ensure the rice cooks properly in the casserole.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming dry?

The combination of diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and two types of cheese helps maintain moisture throughout the dish, ensuring a creamy and juicy final result.

Reasons to Enjoy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combines ground beef, rice, and cheese in one pan, reducing kitchen cleanup and making meal assembly a breeze.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and pantry staples to create a filling meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Kid-Approved Flavors: Blends familiar tastes kids love – cheese, beef, and tomatoes – into a single dish that parents can confidently serve for family dinners.

Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.
• Rice: The starchy foundation that absorbs the delicious flavors of the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses provide a rich, melty, and savory topping that adds depth and creaminess to the casserole.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy texture for the rice and meat mixture.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a creamy and flavorful base to bind the ingredients together.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic aromatics provide a foundational flavor profile for the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Bring moisture and a slight tanginess to the casserole.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: These seasonings enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal note to the finished casserole.

How to Cook Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together to create a rich, savory sauce.

Step 4: Incorporate Rice

Add uncooked rice to the skillet and blend thoroughly. Pour in milk and stir until well combined, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheese Layer

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a delicious cheesy blanket.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly golden topping and the rice becomes tender.

Step 8: Final Cheese Touch

Remove the casserole and generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the Parmesan turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the casserole for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

Cooking Tips for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Substitute white rice with brown rice for added fiber and nutritional value.
• Add diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrition and color.
• Consider using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup to control salt intake.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavor variations.

Variations on Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Mexican Fiesta Casserole: Replace cream of mushroom soup with salsa, add diced green chilies, and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Casserole: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, use feta cheese, add dried basil and thyme, and top with chopped kalamata olives.
• Chicken and Broccoli Fusion: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, mix in steamed broccoli florets, and use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar.
• Vegetarian Garden Casserole: Replace ground beef with mixed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, use vegetable broth instead of milk, and sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Suggested Pairings for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole and cut through its cheesy richness.
• Serve Fresh Green Salad: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the heavy, comforting casserole and add a refreshing contrast.
• Add Tangy Pickles: Include dill pickle spears or pickle slices on the side to provide a zesty, acidic element that cuts through the casserole's creamy texture and enhances the overall meal experience.
• Boost with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of flavor that complements the beef and cheese in the casserole.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy hamburger rice casserole, a hearty one-pan meal that promises pure satisfaction. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy rice combine to create a delicious dinner perfect for hungry families seeking a quick and tasty solution.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Grains and Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) uncooked white rice
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of mushroom soup

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) black pepper
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any excess fat to maintain a lean texture.
3. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. Incorporate diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, creating a rich and flavorful base.
5. Blend uncooked rice into the mixture, ensuring even distribution, then pour in milk and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
6. Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly for consistent cooking.
7. Generously top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface for maximum cheesy goodness.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and the rice to become tender.
9. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the top turns golden brown.
10. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant, fresh touch before serving.

Notes

• Make sure to drain excess fat from ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole.
• Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like monterey jack or pepper jack for added flavor complexity.
• For a gluten-free version, replace cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free alternative or homemade white sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg