This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a family gathering, this casserole is sure to impress. Packed with flavorful ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and gooey cheddar cheese, it’s designed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- One-Dish Wonder: With everything baked together, cleanup is a breeze—just one dish to wash!
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness and comforting flavors.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this casserole with your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven whenever you’re ready to eat.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Dish (9×13 inch)
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon
- Aluminum Foil
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Essential for browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic for maximum flavor.
- Baking Dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking and easy serving right from the oven.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients needed for your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
Cheese & Seasonings
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet:
1. Cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in:
– The uncooked rice,
– Beef broth,
– Cream of mushroom soup.
Season with:
– Salt,
– Black pepper,
– Paprika.
Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the beef mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cheese Topping
Remove the foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole hot!
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Serving Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is simple and versatile. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and it can be paired with various sides to enhance your meal. Here are some excellent serving suggestions to elevate your casserole experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch.
- Chives: Add sliced chives for a mild onion flavor and color.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad complements the creamy casserole nicely.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and balance to the meal.
Serve with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Pairing cheesy casserole with garlic bread makes for a comforting combo.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Include a Sauce
- Hot Sauce: For those who like heat, offer hot sauce on the side.
- BBQ Sauce: A drizzle of BBQ sauce can add a sweet twist to the flavors.
How to Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
To ensure your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Beef: Choose lean ground beef for better flavor and less grease.
- Cook Rice Properly: Make sure not to overcook the rice in the skillet; it should absorb enough broth while baking.
- Mix Ingredients Well: Stir all components thoroughly before transferring them to the baking dish for even flavor distribution.
- Cover Tightly: Use aluminum foil to cover the casserole tightly during baking to retain moisture.
- Check Cheese Melt: Keep an eye on the cheese while it bakes; you want it bubbly but not burnt.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Pairing side dishes with your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans provide a nutritious counterbalance.
- Coleslaw: The crunch of coleslaw adds texture and freshness to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the savory flavors of the casserole beautifully.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes make a hearty addition alongside your casserole.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a crispy element that contrasts well with the creaminess of the dish.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate after each bite of rich casserole.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef properly can lead to a bland casserole. Always cook until browned for better flavor.
- Using instant rice: Instant rice doesn’t absorb the liquid as well, resulting in a mushy dish. Stick with long-grain rice for the best texture.
- Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your casserole taste flat. Don’t forget to season your mixture well with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Not covering while baking: Failing to cover your dish initially can dry it out. Cover with foil for the first part of baking to maintain moisture.
- Overcooking cheese: Leaving the cheese in the oven too long can make it rubbery. Bake just until melted and bubbly for great results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover casserole in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil.
- It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute if you prefer a leaner option. It will still deliver delicious results.
How do I customize my Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
You can add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Feel free to experiment!
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it and store it in the fridge before baking. Just increase the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that balances comfort and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it truly your own!
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together hearty ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection with rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 shredded cheddar cheese
- salt
- black pepper
- paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
