This Cheesy Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole recipe is warm, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect dinner for busy nights when you crave something comforting and filling. With tender rice, juicy beef, and melted cheese, every bite feels like home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It’s made with simple pantry ingredients you already have.
- Rich Cheddar Cheese Sauce makes it creamy and satisfying.
- Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully the next day.
Ingredients
- Ground beef : adds hearty flavor to the casserole
- Cooked rice : gives the dish a soft and filling base
- Cheddar cheese : melts into a creamy layer on top
- Onion : brings sweetness and depth
- Garlic : adds rich aroma and taste
- Cream of mushroom soup : creates a velvety texture
- Milk : helps blend the sauce smoothly
- Salt and pepper : for balanced seasoning
- Butter : adds richness and flavor to the base
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a medium casserole dish.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the shredded Cheddar cheese. Mix until creamy.
- Add the cooked rice and stir everything together to coat evenly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Mistakes To Avoid
When making this Cheesy Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole recipe, small missteps can affect the creamy texture and taste. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Do not overcook the rice before baking, or it may turn mushy.
- Do not skip draining the beef fat; too much grease can make the casserole heavy.
- Do not bake uncovered for too long, or the cheese topping can dry out.
Serving Suggestions
This Hamburger Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. For another cozy dinner idea, try this easy shrimp and sausage gumbo or the rich chicken and gravy stovetop meal. If you love hearty dinners, you’ll also enjoy this hearty chili macaroni recipe for a spicy twist.
Cheesy Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Equipment
- Casserole Dish
- Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef browned and drained
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup approx. 10.5 oz
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium casserole dish.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until creamy.
- Add the cooked rice and stir everything together to coat evenly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra texture. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so plan ahead. The result will still be creamy and delicious with the Cheddar Cheese Sauce blending perfectly.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. This Cheesy Casserole freezes very well. Let it cool fully, cover tightly, and store in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warm and bubbly. It tastes just as good as fresh.
What can I add for more flavor?
You can mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra color and taste. Adding a little paprika or chili powder also gives it a zesty kick. Try using a blend of cheeses for an even richer flavor in your Ultimate Comfort Food dish.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole recipe is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles. It’s creamy, hearty, and pure comfort in every spoonful. If you love Rice Casserole Recipes that are simple and satisfying, save this one and pin it to your dinner board for later. You’ll want to make it again and again!
