When you need a hearty, satisfying dinner that the whole family will love, this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole delivers every time. Made with simple pantry staples—ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar cheese—this one-pan dish is the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick to prepare, bakes up golden and bubbly, and is endlessly customizable to suit your family’s tastes.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this casserole is filling, flavorful, and makes cleanup easy since everything comes together in one dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients – You probably already have most of these in your pantry.
- One-pan convenience – Less cleanup after dinner.
- Family-friendly – Even picky eaters will enjoy it.
- Customizable – Swap meats, soups, or add veggies for variety.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prepare ahead of time 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 shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in 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.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes more, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variations
- Vegetarian – Use plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Different cheeses – Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
- Spicy kick – Stir in a diced jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Extra veggies – Add peas, carrots, or corn for more flavor and nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat – Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Freezer – Freeze tightly wrapped casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use instant rice?
Yes, but adjust the liquid since instant rice requires less broth.
Can I swap the soup?
Cream of chicken or cream of celery also work well.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Definitely. Ground turkey makes a lighter but still flavorful casserole.
Can I add more cheese?
Of course! Extra cheese makes it even more indulgent.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—easy, filling, and full of comforting flavors. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or simply enjoying leftovers the next day. With so many variations and simple swaps, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to again and again.