If you’re anything like me, there are nights when the thought of juggling dinner after a long day feels downright impossible. Between busy schedules, picky eaters, and the eternal question of “What’s for dinner?”—it’s no wonder so many of us are always on the hunt for that perfect recipe. Enter: Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. This dish checks all the boxes—it’s hearty, cheesy, family-approved, and comes together without a fuss.

I love that it’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a casserole dish. It has all the makings of a true comfort food recipe: tender rice, savory ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and that little hint of paprika that ties it all together. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, requires just a handful of pantry staples, and can easily feed the whole crew. Honestly, this is the kind of family dinner idea you’ll find yourself turning to again and again.

So grab your favorite casserole dish, tie on that apron, and let’s make dinner a whole lot easier (and a lot more delicious).

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Quick prep: Just 10 minutes of chopping and browning.
One-dish wonder: Rice, beef, and cheese all bake together in harmony.
Crowd-pleaser: Kids, spouses, and even picky guests go back for seconds.
Cozy vibes: The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell like home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
2 cups beef broth
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned (6–7 minutes). Drain fat.
Stir in rice, broth, mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer 5 minutes.
Transfer mixture to the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until bubbly.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Casserole

Here’s the thing with casseroles—they’re forgiving! A few little tricks, though, can take yours from “pretty good” to “can we have this again tomorrow?”

Rice matters: Long-grain rice works best. Short-grain can get mushy, and instant rice cooks too fast.
Cheese it up: Don’t be shy—add extra cheddar on top if your family is cheese-obsessed.
Veggie boost: Toss in frozen peas, carrots, or corn before baking for a built-in side dish.
Make it creamy: Swap the mushroom soup for cream of chicken if that’s more your family’s style.
Don’t peek: Keep the foil on during that first bake so the rice cooks properly in the steam.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made this ground beef casserole, I wasn’t planning on blogging about it—I just needed something quick to feed my family on a Tuesday night. But then, something magical happened. My husband went back for thirds (which almost never happens unless we’re talking about dessert), and my kids—who normally try to negotiate their way out of eating onions—cleaned their plates without complaint.

That’s when I knew this wasn’t just another weeknight dinner. It became one of those recipes I could rely on when life felt chaotic. There’s something deeply comforting about a dish that makes everyone pause, dig in, and share a smile at the dinner table.

Now, every time I make it, I’m reminded that some of the best meals aren’t fancy—they’re simple, hearty, and made with love.

What to Serve with Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

This easy baked casserole is filling on its own, but it shines even brighter with a few simple sides:

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Steamed broccoli or green beans for an easy veggie add-on.
Garlic bread (because honestly, is there ever a wrong time for garlic bread?).
A light fruit salad for a refreshing finish.

If you’re feeding a crowd, round things out with a dessert like brownies or apple crisp. Trust me, nobody will leave the table hungry!

How to Store Leftovers

The beauty of casseroles? They taste just as good the next day.

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Just wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings. If it looks a little dry, a splash of beef broth works wonders.

This makes it a fantastic family dinner idea for meal prep—cook once, enjoy twice!

FAQs About This Recipe

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes! Cream of chicken or celery works just as well, depending on your family’s taste.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes since it’s starting cold.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the baking time and add a bit more broth since brown rice takes longer to cook.

Is this a good freezer meal?

Absolutely! This cheesy rice bake freezes beautifully. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Bringing It All Together

At the end of the day, dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be special. This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is proof that simple ingredients can create a meal that’s cozy, satisfying, and loved by all ages. It’s one of those recipes that keeps you full, warms your soul, and—let’s be real—saves your sanity on busy weeknights.

So the next time you’re staring into your pantry wondering what to make, remember: ground beef, rice, and cheese might just be the dinnertime trio you’ve been waiting for.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

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Author: Olivia Hartwellen
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—savory ground beef, tender rice, creamy mushroom soup, and gooey cheddar cheese baked together in one dish. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to make the whole family happy. Perfect for busy nights when you need something simple, filling, and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
2 cups beef broth
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat for 6–7 minutes until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Long-grain rice holds texture best—avoid instant or short-grain rice.

Add frozen peas, carrots, or corn for extra veggies.

Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken if preferred.

Don’t remove the foil too soon—the steam helps the rice cook evenly.

Great for meal prep: freezes well and reheats beautifully.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Category: Plats
Method: Baked casserole
Cuisine: American

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: A Weeknight Comfort Classic