A Hearty, Family-Favorite Dinner You’ll Make Again and Again
When comfort meets convenience, you get this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole — a hearty, creamy, and crowd-pleasing dinner that brings everyone to the table. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients like ground beef, rice, and cheddar cheese, yet it tastes like something straight out of grandma’s kitchen.
Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, this baked casserole delivers all the warmth and flavor you crave in a single dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: One skillet and one baking dish — minimal cleanup.
- Family-friendly: Kids love the cheesy flavor and tender rice.
- Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients, big flavor.
- Make-ahead friendly: Reheats beautifully for lunches or leftovers.
- Comfort food classic: Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded cheddar, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite!
Tips for Success
- Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts better than pre-packaged.
- Add veggies: Stir in peas, corn, or bell peppers for color and nutrition.
- Boost the flavor: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce deepens the taste.
- Swap proteins: Try ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for variety.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave until warm, adding a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
For freezer prep, bake and cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Notes
- Substitute cream of chicken soup for a milder flavor.
- Use brown rice, but increase liquid and bake time by about 10 minutes.
- Add a layer of crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs before baking for crunch.
Summary
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is pure comfort food made easy — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with hearty flavor. Perfect for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for busy nights, this is a meal your whole family will request again and again.