Introduction
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the kind of comforting, no-fuss dinner that feels like home. I started making this recipe on busy evenings when I needed something filling, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. With seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and plenty of melted cheese, this casserole brings together simple ingredients in the most satisfying way. What I love most is how adaptable it is. You can keep it classic or easily customize it based on what you have in the pantry. I have made this dish countless times for family dinners, potlucks, and even meal prep, and it always delivers. It is warm, hearty, and comforting without requiring complicated steps or long prep time. If you are looking for a dependable casserole that feels nostalgic and filling, this cheesy hamburger rice casserole is a recipe worth keeping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to make, uses affordable ingredients, and comes together in one baking dish. It is hearty, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a family. Leftovers reheat well, making it ideal for meal planning and busy schedules.
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Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole – A Cozy, Family-Friendly Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesy hamburger rice casserole is a hearty, comforting baked dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley; cook for 1 minute.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle uncooked rice evenly over the beef.
- Pour beef broth and milk evenly over the mixture.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Covering tightly is essential so the rice cooks properly.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for beef.
- Add frozen peas or corn for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef
Ground beef forms the hearty base of the casserole, providing rich flavor and protein.
Rice
Rice absorbs the savory flavors of the dish and creates a satisfying texture. White rice works best for even cooking.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture as it cooks.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory flavor and adds aroma.
Beef Broth
Beef broth infuses the rice with flavor and prevents dryness during baking.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce adds moisture and a mild tang that balances the richness of the cheese.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese melts smoothly and gives the casserole its classic cheesy flavor.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth.
Paprika
Paprika adds subtle smokiness and color.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing the beef and vegetables evenly.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and lightly greasing a baking dish. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the ground beef with chopped onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Stir in the rice, beef broth, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves six people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking time is approximately 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent dryness.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is easy to adapt. You can add vegetables such as peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version. For extra richness, mix a small amount of cream cheese or sour cream into the casserole before baking. If you enjoy spice, add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or a blended cheese mix for varied flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This casserole provides protein from the beef, carbohydrates from the rice, and calcium from the cheese. It is a hearty dish best enjoyed as a complete meal with a simple side salad or vegetables.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Rice Texture
Ensure the dish is tightly covered while baking so the rice cooks evenly.
Cheese Timing
Add cheese near the end to prevent overbrowning.
Seasoning Balance
Taste the beef mixture before baking and adjust seasoning if needed.
Resting Time
Allow the casserole to rest briefly to set before serving.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it requires more liquid and a longer baking time.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well when tightly wrapped.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, vegetables blend well into this dish.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but blends also work well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives if needed.
How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Cover tightly during baking and add enough liquid.
Can I use instant rice?
Cooking times and liquid amounts will need adjustment.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it has mild, comforting flavors.
What should I serve with this casserole?
A green salad or steamed vegetables pair nicely.
Conclusion
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting, dependable dish that brings simple ingredients together into a satisfying meal. Easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, it is the kind of recipe you can rely on whenever you need a warm, hearty dinner everyone will enjoy.
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