Description

When it comes to hearty, easy, and budget-friendly meals, few dishes beat a Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 30
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 23 g

Keywords: Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole