If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying dinner option that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, look no further than this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. This one-pan wonder combines the rich flavors of ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and gooey cheddar cheese, offering a delightful meal that hits all the right spots for comfort food lovers. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal for guests, this casserole is not just easy to prepare, but also incredibly versatile, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.
The beauty of the Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or substitute the cheese for something different—this recipe welcomes all sorts of twists! Not to mention, it makes for excellent leftovers, so you can prepare it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Truly, this is comfort food at its finest!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Comfort food at its best: The creamy, cheesy goodness is sure to warm your heart.
- Easy and convenient: Enjoy a one-pan dish that minimizes cleanup.
- Customizable: Adapt the recipe to include your favorite vegetables or different cheeses.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep it in advance for busy weeknights, baking it when you’re ready to eat.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before delving into the delicious world of Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and tools for a smooth cooking experience. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures that your casserole bakes evenly when it’s time to pop it in. You’ll need a 9×13 inch baking dish, ideally greased to prevent sticking. A large skillet is needed for browning the ground beef, onion, and garlic. A wooden spoon or spatula will help you mix and combine your ingredients seamlessly. Don’t forget to have your measuring cups and spoons handy for accurate ingredient proportions.
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)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take your greased 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside to ensure that you’re ready to layer your casserole exactly when needed. This initial preparation sets the stage for a successful cooking process!
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stirring occasionally, cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are translucent, which typically takes about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to drain out any excess fat after cooking—this will keep your casserole light and prevent it from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Next, add the uncooked rice straight into the beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth and the can of cream of mushroom soup. Season your mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika, then mix everything thoroughly. Bring it to a boil and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes; this will ensure the flavors meld together nicely and the rice begins to absorb some of the liquid.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Once your mixture is well combined and has simmered, transfer everything into the prepared baking dish. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil to trap in the moisture. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. This step allows the rice to cook through and soak in all those delightful flavors!
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 25 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching closely as the cheese melts into a beautiful, bubbly golden layer.
Variations
- Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, peas, or corn for extra nutrition and color.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning for flavor variations.
Cooking Notes
- Always check for doneness by tasting the rice before serving; if it’s still a bit firm, consider adding a splash more beef broth and cooking a little longer covered.
- Customizing the cheese type can yield different results—opt for mozzarella for a stringy texture, or pepper jack for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Complement with a drizzle of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Tips
- Make sure to use long-grain rice—short-grain or minute rice won’t provide the desired texture.
- This casserole reheats well, making it excellent for meal prep or leftovers—just store it tightly covered in the refrigerator.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: 25 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer, you can use homemade cream of mushroom soup or swap it for other cream soups, such as cream of chicken or even a vegetable blend.
What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
Green salads, roasted vegetables, or even garlic bread work wonderfully as side options.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to three months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is truly a dish that brings together warmth, flavor, and convenience. With its creamy texture and rich taste, it embodies everything we love about comfort food. Whether you’re enjoying it on a casual weeknight or serving it at your next gathering, this casserole is sure to impress and satisfy. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding favorite ingredients or exploring new flavor profiles. Share your creations, variations, or any feedback in the comments below—we would love to hear from you! Enjoy cooking and take pleasure in every cheesy, hearty bite of this delightful casserole!
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Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole combines ground beef, mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese for a delightful weeknight meal.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup; season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
This casserole reheats well; store tightly covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 25 g