This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a one-pan wonder! It’s packed with ground beef, rice, and gooey cheese that everyone loves. Perfect for busy nights when you need to feed the whole family!
You can bet my kids gobble this up in no time. Plus, I love that I can make it in just a few simple steps. It’s so comforting that it feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground beef for less fat, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best, but if you have brown rice, just double the cooking time and adjust the liquid slightly. Instant rice is another quick choice but will alter the texture a bit.
Condensed Soup: If you’re looking for healthier options, there are low-sodium versions available. You could also use homemade cream sauce or substitute with a can of diced tomatoes for a different twist.
Cheese: Cheddar is a favorite, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack add a nice flavor, while keeping it more traditional will give that classic gooey feel. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese or nutritional yeast instead!
How Do I Get the Perfectly Cooked Rice in Casserole?
Cooking rice in a casserole can be tricky, but it’s all about moisture control. The beef broth and soup are your best friends here! They provide enough liquid for the rice to cook evenly.
- Always use a 1:1.75 rice to liquid ratio for long-grain rice. Adjust the broth amount if you swap rice types.
- Cover the casserole with foil for the first baking period to lock in steam and moisture, ensuring the rice doesn’t dry out.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the rice absorb moisture, making it fluffier!
What’s the Best Way to Brown Ground Beef?
Browning ground beef correctly adds great flavor to the casserole. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium to medium-high heat. This helps it brown without steaming.
- Break it apart evenly as it cooks so it browns uniformly.
- Drain excess fat afterward for a less greasy casserole. If your beef is lean, you may not need to drain anything!
With these tips, you’ll create a delicious casserole that’s perfect for any night! Enjoy!
Easy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound ground beef
- Vegetables: 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Rice: 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- Liquid: 1 3/4 cups beef broth or water
- Creamy Base: 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- Garnish: Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll bake it for around 55 minutes. So, you’ll need about 1 hour and 10 minutes in total, including a little resting time before serving. It’s a great make-ahead dish, too!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s all ready to go when your casserole is prepared.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and cook until softened, which takes about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will smell fantastic!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef into the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart, cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish nice and light.
4. Mix in the Rice and Liquids:
Now, stir in the uncooked rice along with the beef broth, condensed soup, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This will form the base of your casserole.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Next, pour this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks nicely.
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the rice mixture. This will add a delicious cheesy flavor throughout!
7. Cover and Bake:
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep in the moisture. Bake it in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
8. Uncover and Add More Cheese:
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Now it’s time to sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella (if you’re using it) on top. This adds that gooey texture we all love!
9. Bake Again:
Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is when the magic happens!
10. Let It Rest:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve.
11. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a lovely touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your warm, cheesy hamburger rice casserole with your family and friends!
Happy Eating!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! If you use brown rice, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice generally takes longer to cook, so increase the baking time to about 60-70 minutes and ensure you have enough liquid—aim for 2 cups of broth instead.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, lentils, or beans for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust any seasonings to your taste when making these substitutions!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven; if using the oven, cover it to keep it moist and warm at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.