Introduction

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with savory ground beef, tender rice, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

A close-up image shows a bowl filled with a creamy rice dish layered with cooked ground meat mixed evenly throughout. The rice is soft with a pale, slightly shiny texture, topped with a generous sprinkle of shredded yellow cheese and small pieces of green herbs. The bowl is white, set on a white marbled surface, and the dish looks warm and comforting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
2 cups beef broth
1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
Step 4: Stir the cooked beef mixture into the rice mixture until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking.
Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or cream of chicken for a different twist.
Use brown rice for a healthier option, but increase the baking time to 60 minutes and add more broth if needed.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions for more veggies.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with a creamy rice dish that has visible small pieces of cooked ground meat mixed throughout. The rice is white and soft, topped with a layer of shredded yellow cheddar cheese and small green herb bits, likely parsley, scattered on top for color. The bowl itself is white, placed on a white marbled surface, and you can see part of the background blurred slightly with another small bowl in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice?

Instant rice is not recommended because it cooks much faster and can become mushy in the casserole. Long-grain rice holds up better during baking.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 55 reviews

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring ground beef, rice, and a rich blend of cheese and creamy mushroom soup. It’s an easy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights, combining savory flavors and a satisfying texture that the whole family will enjoy.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
2 cups beef broth
1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika

For Garnish

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Add Rice and Seasoning: Stir in the uncooked long-grain rice, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to evenly coat the rice with the spices and beef mixture.
Add Liquids and Soup: Pour in the beef broth and the can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Simmer the Casserole: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Add Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let the cheese melt, about 3-5 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve the casserole warm.

Notes

For a creamier texture, you can stir in extra cheese before serving.
Feel free to swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if preferred.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Adding vegetables like chopped bell peppers or mushrooms can boost nutrition and flavor.

Keywords: cheesy hamburger rice casserole, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, rice casserole, one pan meal