This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Combining ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a hearty, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even feeding a crowd, this one-pan casserole is loaded with flavor and simple to customize.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food at its best: Creamy, cheesy, and filling.
- Easy and convenient: One-pan dish with minimal cleanup.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, swap cheeses, or make it vegetarian.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep in advance and bake when ready.
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 cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tip: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. - Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat. - Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. - Bake the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. - Add Cheese & Finish Baking:
Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy hot and comforting!
Variations & Tips
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat or extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for different flavors.
- Add Heat: Mix in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Extra Veggies: Frozen peas, carrots, or corn can add color, texture, and nutrition.
- Rice Alternatives: Basmati or jasmine rice works too; adjust liquid as needed.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is quick, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. From a cozy weeknight dinner to a dish that’s easy to prep ahead, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Customize it your way and enjoy a hearty, cheesy, and comforting meal anytime!