Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole : A Comfort Food

When it comes to hearty, easy, and budget-friendly meals, few dishes beat a Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. With tender ground beef, fluffy rice, gooey cheese, and savory seasonings, this one-dish wonder delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe every home cook needs—filling, family-approved, and perfect for leftovers.

Whether you’re looking for hamburger and rice recipes, quick beef recipes, or a no-fail easy casserole recipe, this one checks every box. It’s cozy enough for winter nights, fast enough for weeknight dinners, and flexible enough to customize with pantry staples.

Let’s walk through everything you need to make this satisfying dish, plus expert tips, storage advice, and creative ways to make it your own.

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What Is Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a baked dish made with cooked ground beef, white or brown rice, shredded cheese, broth or condensed soup, and seasonings. All the ingredients come together in one pan and are baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—savory, cheesy, and always satisfying.

This dish is a cross between a hamburger rice casserole and a cheesy rice bake, making it a staple in many American households. You may have grown up with a version of this dish, and now it’s time to bring it back—or discover it for the first time.

It’s also a great way to stretch delicious ground beef recipes into multiple servings without much prep.

Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole (With Exact Measurements)

Here’s what you need to serve 6:

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 or leaner)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1½ cups cooked white rice (or brown rice)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• ½ cup milk or beef broth
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)

This recipe can be doubled for a crowd and works well with short-grain or long-grain rice. Use pre-cooked rice to speed things up or try minute rice if you’re in a pinch.

Essential Kitchen Tools for This Easy Casserole Recipe

You don’t need any special gadgets for this recipe, but these basic tools will make it even easier:

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Aluminum foil (for covering during baking)

For even easier cleanup, you can use a disposable foil tray or prep everything in one oven-safe skillet.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 baking dish.

Step 2: Brown the ground beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft—about 6–8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute more. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Season and stir
Add salt, pepper, and paprika to the beef mixture. Stir to coat evenly.

Step 4: Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, ground beef mixture, soup, milk or broth, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix until well blended.

Step 5: Transfer to baking dish
Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 7: Garnish and serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

This method ensures a creamy, cheesy texture with golden, bubbly edges—perfect every time.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Hamburger and Rice Recipe

Use lean ground beef if you don’t want to drain excess fat, but keep in mind a little fat adds flavor.

Make sure your rice is fully cooked before combining. This is not a dish where the rice will cook in the oven.

Cream of mushroom soup adds depth, but feel free to substitute with cream of chicken or even tomato soup for a different flavor.

Want more texture? Add a cup of frozen peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers to the mix before baking.

To spice it up, add crushed red pepper flakes, taco seasoning, or a splash of hot sauce.

These tweaks let you personalize this rice and cheese casserole to suit any craving.

Delicious Variations and Add-In Ideas

This casserole is super versatile. Try these creative variations:

Tex-Mex: Add a packet of taco seasoning, black beans, and salsa. Top with Mexican blend cheese.

Italian-style: Mix in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and mozzarella cheese.

Breakfast twist: Use breakfast sausage instead of beef, add scrambled eggs and hash browns for a morning casserole.

Broccoli and cheddar: Stir in steamed broccoli for a veggie-packed dish.

Mushroom lovers: Sauté fresh mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor boost.

Once you’ve tried the classic version, you’ll find endless ways to customize it with what you have on hand.

What to Serve with Hamburger Rice Casserole

This casserole is hearty on its own, but here are a few perfect pairings:

Simple green salad: A fresh side salad with vinaigrette cuts the richness.

Steamed veggies: Green beans, broccoli, or carrots balance out the meal.

Garlic bread or rolls: Perfect for scooping up the cheesy, savory filling.

Fruit salad: Adds a refreshing, slightly sweet contrast to the dish.

Make it a complete meal with minimal effort and keep your whole family happy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Ground Beef Casseroles

Using raw rice is a common mistake. Always use cooked rice to ensure the right texture.

Skipping the seasoning step can leave your casserole bland. Be generous with salt, pepper, and spices.

Overcooking can dry out the dish. Stick to the recommended time and don’t forget to cover for the first half of baking.

Adding too much liquid can make the casserole soupy. Use the suggested amount of milk or broth for a creamy—not watery—consistency.

Not letting it rest after baking may cause the cheese and filling to slide. Give it a few minutes to settle.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your hamburger rice casserole turns out perfect every single time.

How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Casserole Leftovers

To store:
Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To reheat:
Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (cover with foil to retain moisture).

To freeze:
Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Meal prep tip:
Divide into portions and freeze individually for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.

This makes it one of the best quick beef recipes for batch cooking or planning ahead.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown for 1 of 6 servings:

Calories: 420
Protein: 23 g
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 760 mg
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 15% DV

To lighten it up, try reduced-fat cheese, ground turkey, or brown rice. The dish is naturally gluten-free if you use a GF condensed soup.

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Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice?
No, the rice must be cooked before adding to the casserole. Otherwise, it won’t soften properly in the oven.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Try mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for extra kick.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze it before or after baking. Just be sure it’s well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely. It’s a great lean alternative and works well with the same seasonings.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before putting it in the oven.

Is it kid-friendly?
Very! The mild flavors and cheesy texture make it a hit with picky eaters. You can also sneak in veggies.

Final Thoughts and Share This Recipe Call to Action

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the definition of comfort food—hearty, affordable, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this casserole is a guaranteed winner. With just a few ingredients and one pan, you’ll have a dinner everyone will ask for again and again.

Perfect for fans of beef ground recipes, hamburger rice, and rice and cheese casseroles, this recipe is the ideal combo of taste, ease, and crowd-pleasing appeal.

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