A Comforting Classic for Busy Weeknights
There’s something timeless about a warm, cheesy casserole pulled fresh from the oven. It reminds us of family dinners, cozy evenings, and meals that bring everyone together without the fuss. Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is exactly that kind of dish—a simple, hearty meal that’s rich with flavor and nostalgia.
Inspired by generations of home cooks who needed something filling, budget-friendly, and kid-approved, this recipe blends humble ingredients like ground beef, rice, cheese, and pantry staples into a single delicious bake. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a no-fail dinner on a hectic weeknight, this casserole delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is a dream come true for anyone who wants:
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A one-dish meal that saves time and dishes
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A budget-friendly recipe with everyday ingredients
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A comfort food favorite that’s easy to customize
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A dish that works equally well for family dinners, potlucks, or leftovers
If you love the idea of a cozy, cheesy dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, this casserole is going straight to your weekly rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of this recipe is that the ingredient list is short, simple, and flexible. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef – Lean or regular; either works fine
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup uncooked white rice – Long-grain or jasmine preferred
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2 cups beef broth – For cooking the rice with extra flavor
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Or cream of chicken for a twist
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
The beauty of this casserole lies in how adaptable it is:
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Add vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or green beans
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Switch proteins: try ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative
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Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne, chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce
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Use different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for extra kick
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
One of the best things about this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is how easily it comes together, even on your busiest evenings. With just a few simple steps and common ingredients, you can create a warm, hearty dish that’s packed with flavor. This is a truly set-it-and-forget-it kind of recipe—most of the work is hands-off once it hits the oven. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you get it just right.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add 1 small chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. The onions should be soft but not browned.
Next, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute. Garlic cooks quickly, so you only need a short time to release its aroma without letting it burn.
Now add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat up using a wooden spoon or spatula, and cook until it is fully browned and no longer pink. This typically takes about 6 to 8 minutes. As the beef cooks, season it with a pinch of salt and pepper to start building layers of flavor early on.
Once the beef is browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the pan. If you’re using lean ground beef, there may be very little to drain. Removing the fat helps prevent the casserole from becoming greasy while keeping the dish lighter.
Step 2: Mix in the Remaining Ingredients
With your beef mixture ready, it’s time to bring the casserole base together. To the skillet, add the following:
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1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
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2 cups beef broth
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1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
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1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
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Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Stir all of these ingredients together thoroughly until they’re well combined. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed so it cooks uniformly in the oven. The broth and tomatoes provide the liquid needed to cook the rice as it bakes, while the soup adds creaminess and body to the dish.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
Carefully pour the beef and rice mixture into the baking dish, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil—this is crucial for trapping steam and ensuring that the rice cooks through properly.
Place the covered casserole in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Try not to peek during baking; keeping it covered ensures the casserole stays moist.
Step 4: Top with Cheese and Finish Baking
After the initial bake, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This step creates that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese layer that makes casseroles so comforting and satisfying.
Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for another 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt completely and develop a slightly crisp, golden edge. If you like extra browning, you can place the casserole under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—but watch it closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling hot, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting period is important: it allows the casserole to firm up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve. It also gives the flavors time to settle and come together into a rich, savory bite.
Make It Ahead or Freeze It
One of the best things about Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is how well it lends itself to meal prepping, make-ahead meals, and freezer storage. Whether you’re cooking for a busy week, planning for guests, or simply trying to stay ahead of dinnertime, this casserole is a dependable option that stores and reheats beautifully.
To Make It Ahead
This recipe is ideal for assembling in advance. You can prepare the entire casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before baking. This is especially useful for busy weeknights or when you want to prep dinner in the morning and pop it in the oven later.
When ready to bake, take it straight from the fridge to the oven. Since it’s chilled, you’ll need to add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time to ensure the rice cooks through and the casserole is heated evenly.
For best results, keep the dish tightly covered with foil during this extended bake time to lock in moisture.
To Freeze the Casserole
Freezing this casserole is a great way to save leftovers or make a double batch for future meals. First, allow the casserole to cool completely after baking. Then either:
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Wrap the entire dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, or
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Portion it into individual servings and store in airtight containers
You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator (if frozen), then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes on medium heat, checking for doneness halfway through.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Rice Casserole
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Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts better and gives a creamier texture than pre-shredded.
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Don’t skip the foil: Covering the dish while baking helps the rice cook evenly without drying out.
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Season in layers: Taste the beef mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
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Let it rest: Giving the casserole a few minutes to sit before cutting will help it hold together when serving.
What to Serve with Hamburger Rice Casserole
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions if you want to round it out:
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Green salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or zucchini
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Garlic bread or dinner rolls
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Pickles or a simple cucumber salad to cut through the richness
Common Questions About the Recipe
Whether you’re making this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole for the first time or tweaking it to fit your lifestyle, here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help guide you through the process.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, often 15 to 20 minutes more, and it also requires more liquid. If you choose to use brown rice, consider increasing the broth by at least ½ to 1 cup, and plan for a longer bake time—up to 60 to 70 minutes total.
Another option is to parboil the brown rice before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps reduce the baking time and ensures the rice is fully cooked by the time the casserole is ready. Either way, always test the rice before pulling the casserole from the oven. If it’s still firm or chewy, cover and return it to bake longer.
Can I make it without canned soup?
Absolutely. If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can easily make a simple homemade substitute with pantry ingredients. Here’s how:
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In a small saucepan, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of bouillon paste or powder (or your favorite seasoning).
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Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
This homemade version gives you more control over the salt and flavor content and works just as well in the casserole.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, this casserole can easily be made vegetarian. Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute, cooked lentils, or chopped mushrooms for a similar texture. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth to keep the flavor rich and savory without the meat.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice should be tender and fluffy, not hard or mushy. When fully cooked, it will absorb most of the liquid and have a soft texture. If the rice is still undercooked after 50 minutes, simply re-cover the dish, add a few tablespoons of broth or water, and continue baking for 10 to 15 more minutes. Always check doneness before serving.
