The Coziest Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Comfort food takes center stage with this irresistible cheesy hamburger rice casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Packed with hearty ground beef and melted cheese, this dish brings warmth to any dinner table.

Simple ingredients combine to create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

The layers of flavor blend seamlessly, creating a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates.

Each bite delivers a rich, creamy texture that speaks to classic home cooking.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this no-fuss, delicious recipe that feeds hungry families with ease.

Prepare to fall in love with this comforting and satisfying meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole You’ll Want Again

• A crowd-pleasing dish that delivers pure, hearty satisfaction with minimal cooking skills required.
• Minimal prep and straightforward ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy families and weeknight dinners.
• Easily customize with pantry staples and leftover ingredients, turning simple components into a delicious meal that everyone will love.
• Affordable ground beef, basic pantry items, and simple cheese create a filling dinner without breaking the bank.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Ingredients and Cheese

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that adds richness and substance to the casserole.
• Rice: The hearty base that provides a satisfying texture and fills out the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Creates a melty, golden topping that adds creamy goodness.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Sour Cream: These ingredients blend together to create a smooth, creamy sauce that binds the casserole.

• Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Tools for Creamy Hamburger Casserole

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and creating perfect crumbles.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining sauce, rice, beef, and seasonings.
• Baking Dish: Needed to assemble and bake the cheesy casserole.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cheese Grater: Optional if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Colander: Useful for draining excess fat from ground beef.

How to Prepare Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Rice

Grab your rice and cook it perfectly according to the package directions.

Once done, set the fluffy rice aside and let it cool slightly while you work on the other components.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in the ground beef and break it into small, delicious crumbles.

Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden brown color.

Drain away any extra fat to keep the dish light and tasty.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream

Blend these ingredients until they create a smooth, velvety mixture that will bind all the flavors together.

Step 4: Mix Everything

• Cooked rice
• Browned beef
• Diced onion
• Creamy sauce

Stir everything until each ingredient is perfectly coated and distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Season Generously

Sprinkle salt and pepper into the mixture.

Taste and adjust seasonings to ensure a robust flavor profile that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish thoroughly.

Pour the beef and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly to create a beautiful, uniform layer.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Topping

Generously scatter shredded cheese across the entire surface, creating a golden, melty blanket that will turn crispy and delicious when baked.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 375F (190C).

Bake for 25 minutes, watching for the cheese to become gloriously melted and slightly bubbly.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.

Cut into hearty portions and enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Success

• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separated grains that mix perfectly with beef and sauce.
• Use a colander to remove all excess fat from ground beef, preventing a greasy casserole and ensuring a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Let cheese cool slightly after baking to create a perfect stretchy, gooey topping that doesn't become too hard or rubbery.
• Sauté diced onions before adding them to the mixture to release their natural sweetness and add more complex flavor to the casserole.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to make the recipe lighter or suitable for different dietary preferences.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Delight: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains protein richness.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives and use coconut cream instead of sour cream for lactose-intolerant people.

Ways to Serve Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Hearty Family Meal Night: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, this casserole brings comfort and warmth to dinner time.
• Quick Lunch Prep: Pack leftovers in containers for a delicious next-day meal that reheats beautifully in the microwave.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Serve alongside crisp green salad and garlic bread to create a satisfying spread for sports watching or casual gatherings.
• Customize Your Dish: Top with fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or crispy bacon bits to add extra flavor and texture to the casserole.

Storage Advice for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal the container tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pack the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months. Ensure all air is removed to prevent freezer burn.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What kind of rice works best for this casserole?

Long-grain white rice is ideal because it holds its shape well and provides a fluffy texture. Brown rice can also work but might require slightly longer cooking time.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that will work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and part-skim mozzarella cheese. You can also add more vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to increase nutritional value.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy hamburger rice casserole merges hearty ground beef with creamy rice and melted cheese for a comforting family meal. Midwestern home cooks appreciate this simple, satisfying dinner that brings warmth to any table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Grains:

• 1 cup (236 milliliters) long grain rice

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1–2 cups (240–480 milliliters) shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 2 cans (10 ounces or 284 grams each) cream of mushroom soup

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare rice according to package directions until tender and fluffy, then set aside at room temperature.
2. Heat oven to 375F (190C), ensuring rack is positioned in the center.
3. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking meat into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains. Drain excess grease thoroughly.
4. Whisk cream of mushroom soup and sour cream in a spacious mixing bowl until completely smooth and well integrated.
5. Fold cooked rice, browned beef, and diced onions into the creamy sauce mixture, ensuring all components are evenly distributed.
6. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
7. Grease a standard rectangular baking dish and transfer the meat and rice mixture, spreading it into an even layer.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the entire surface of the casserole, covering completely.
9. Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 25 minutes, until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling topping.
10. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, then serve hot and enjoy the comforting meal.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Consider using brown rice for added nutritional value and a nutty flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for unique taste dimensions.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using cream of mushroom soup specifically labeled gluten-free and checking all ingredient labels carefully.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg