There’s something magical about a warm, bubbling Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole coming out of the oven after a long day. It’s the kind of comfort food recipe that brings everyone to the table—no fancy ingredients, no stress, just delicious, satisfying goodness.
This dish has become my go-to when life feels a little too busy (and let’s be honest, that’s most days). Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just craving something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen, this ground beef casserole has your back. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory—a little bite of nostalgia with every forkful.
Think of it as the food equivalent of a warm blanket and your favorite TV show. And the best part? You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
So tie on your apron, grab that skillet, and let’s turn simple ingredients into pure mealtime joy.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
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Quick & easy: Minimal prep, maximum comfort.
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Budget-friendly: Simple pantry staples create big flavor.
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Family-approved: Even the pickiest eaters go back for seconds.
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Perfect for leftovers: It reheats beautifully—if there’s any left!
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate cozy comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, family-approved dinner. Juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, and creamy mushroom soup come together in one cheesy, bubbling bake that’s both budget-friendly and full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals, it’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with nostalgia.
Ingredients
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450 g (1 lb) ground beef
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1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
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1 garlic clove, minced (about 1 tsp)
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200 g (1 cup) long-grain rice, uncooked
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480 ml (2 cups) beef broth
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305 g (1 can / 10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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115 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
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Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Mix it together: Add rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup to the skillet. Stir to combine, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
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Bake: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
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Add cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until melted and bubbly.
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Garnish & serve: Top with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use lean ground beef for less grease and richer flavor.
Keep the foil on during the first bake to ensure perfectly tender rice.
Mix up the cheese—Monterey Jack or pepper jack make great variations.
Add veggies like bell peppers or peas for extra color and nutrients.
Reheats beautifully—great for next-day leftovers or freezer meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole / Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
-
450 g (1 lb) ground beef
-
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
-
1 garlic clove, minced (about 1 tsp)
-
200 g (1 cup) long-grain rice, uncooked
-
480 ml (2 cups) beef broth
-
305 g (1 can / 10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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115 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make This Easy Weeknight Dinner
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Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
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Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned—about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
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Mix it all up: Add rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir to combine, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
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Bake it: Pour the mixture into your prepared dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
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Add the cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Serve and smile: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy while it’s warm and cheesy.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Rice Bake
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Choose your beef wisely: Lean ground beef works best—it keeps things flavorful without too much grease.
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No overcooked rice here! Keeping the foil on helps trap steam so your rice turns out tender and fluffy, not crunchy.
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Mix up the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack if you like a little kick.
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Want veggies? Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas right into the mix before baking.
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Leftover magic: This casserole tastes even better the next day—kind of like lasagna’s cozy cousin.
And if your cheese doesn’t melt perfectly the first time, don’t worry! A quick broil for a minute or two gives that irresistible golden top.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, my family was skeptical. “Rice and hamburger… in a casserole?” my husband asked, eyebrows raised. But by the second bite, he was nodding enthusiastically, and the kids were already scraping their plates clean.
Now, it’s become one of those “comfort classics” we return to when we need an easy weeknight dinner that everyone loves. It reminds me of the meals my mom used to make—simple, hearty, and full of love. Sometimes, the best recipes aren’t about reinventing the wheel but about bringing joy back to the dinner table.
And honestly, nothing beats that cheesy aroma filling the kitchen—it’s the smell of home.
What to Serve with Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
This casserole is filling on its own, but a few sides can take it from good to unforgettable:
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A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness.
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Garlic bread (because carbs are love, right?).
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Steamed green beans or buttery corn for a classic, cozy combo.
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A chilled glass of iced tea or a fruity mocktail to wash it all down.
And if you’re feeding a crowd? Double the recipe and let everyone scoop their portion straight from the baking dish—family-style is always the best style.
How to Store and Reheat
Got leftovers? Lucky you!
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Store: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: For longer storage, portion into freezer-safe containers. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Microwave individual servings with a splash of broth or milk to keep it moist, or warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.
Bonus tip: Freeze single portions for easy grab-and-heat lunches during the week!
FAQs About Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but it’ll need more liquid and cooking time—add about ½ cup extra broth and bake an additional 15 minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Of course! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup both work great, depending on your taste.
Is this a good freezer meal?
It’s perfect for meal prep! Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Bringing It All Together
If you’re craving something cozy, satisfying, and stress-free, this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole checks every box. It’s hearty enough to feed the whole family, easy enough for a weeknight, and delicious enough to make you feel like a kitchen superstar.
So the next time you’re standing in front of the fridge wondering what’s for dinner, remember this little gem. A skillet, a baking dish, and a sprinkle of cheese—that’s all it takes to bring warmth, flavor, and love to your table.
Because sometimes, the simplest meals truly are the best.
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