Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

The creamy, melty cheese mingling with savory hamburger and tender rice in this casserole creates the kind of comfort food magic that makes you want to curl up with a big spoon and savor every bite. The aroma as it bakes is intoxicating, filling the house with a warm, inviting scent that promises a satisfying meal. The richness of the cheese combines perfectly with the beef, and the rice absorbs all those delicious flavors, creating a harmonious, one-dish meal that’s both hearty and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that gets better with every bite, and the leftovers? Even better the next day, when the flavors have had time to meld even further. For an added twist, you could throw in some sautéed onions or peppers for an extra layer of flavor, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to give it a subtle kick. It’s versatile, easy, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters!

Key Ingredients in Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Each ingredient in this casserole plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture, creating the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and comforting goodness.

– Ground beef

The base of this dish, ground beef brings a rich, savory depth to the casserole. As it cooks, it releases its juices, which infuse the rice and other ingredients with mouthwatering flavor.

– Onion

A finely chopped onion adds a touch of sweetness and an aromatic, savory base. It mellows as it cooks, blending perfectly with the beef and helping to round out the dish’s flavor profile.

– Uncooked white rice

The rice absorbs all the delicious flavors from the beef and broth, giving the casserole a hearty texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and savory meat.

– Beef broth

Rich and flavorful, beef broth creates the perfect liquid base for cooking the rice. It adds an extra layer of savory depth, ensuring the casserole is full of flavor from start to finish.

– Cream of mushroom soup

This creamy, velvety addition binds everything together. It creates the rich, comforting sauce that coats the rice, beef, and onions, adding a smooth, earthy flavor that complements the savory notes of the dish.

– Diced tomatoes with green chilies

This adds a pop of brightness and a slight tang, balancing the richness of the cheese and beef. The green chilies also give it a subtle kick, adding just the right amount of heat to the casserole.

– Garlic powder

Garlic powder imparts a savory, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. It blends seamlessly with the other seasonings, contributing to the dish’s warmth without overpowering the other flavors.

– Dried oregano

With its earthy, herbaceous flavor, oregano adds a hint of Mediterranean flair to the casserole. It complements the beef and the richness of the cheese, making each bite more aromatic and satisfying.

– Black pepper

A dash of black pepper brings a bit of warmth and spice, balancing the richness of the cheese and cream. It’s the perfect finishing touch to round out the flavor profile.

– Shredded cheddar cheese

The star of the show, cheddar cheese adds that irresistible melty, gooey texture and a sharp, tangy flavor. It’s the cheese pull we all crave and the element that makes this casserole so comforting.

– Sour cream

Sour cream adds a cool, tangy contrast to the rich cheese and beef, giving the casserole a creamy texture and a refreshing balance of flavors.

– Olive oil

Used for sautéing the onions and browning the beef, olive oil adds a subtle fruity richness and ensures that nothing sticks to the pan. It’s the perfect fat to start building flavor in the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Let the oil warm up for a few moments, ensuring it covers the bottom of the skillet evenly.

2. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to soften and turn translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.

3. Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onion. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. This step should take about 5-7 minutes.

4. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if needed. This will ensure the casserole isn’t greasy, leaving you with just the savory goodness of the beef and onions.

5. Stir in the garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix well to combine the seasonings with the beef and onion, allowing the spices to coat the meat and bring out the best flavors.

6. Add the uncooked white rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the rice with the beef and onion mixture. This will help the rice absorb all those delicious flavors while it cooks.

7. Pour in the beef broth, the cream of mushroom soup, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, stirring everything together. The liquid will start to create a flavorful base for the rice to cook in.

8. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.

9. Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and the liquid has disappeared, leaving you with a flavorful, creamy casserole.

10. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole becomes creamy and comforting.

11. Taste the casserole and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add a little more salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of cheese if you feel it needs it.

12. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy hamburger rice casserole, the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness in every bite.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

– Pair with a fresh, crispy salad

A simple side salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy, rich casserole. The acidity in the dressing helps balance out the heaviness of the dish, making each bite feel lighter.

– Add a side of garlic bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to this casserole. The crunchy texture and garlicky goodness complement the cheesy, savory casserole, and you can scoop up any extra cheesy sauce with every bite!

– Top with a dollop of sour cream

For an added touch of creamy goodness, serve the casserole with a generous dollop of sour cream on top. It adds an extra layer of tanginess and creaminess that really elevates the flavors of the dish. You could even sprinkle some chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous twist.

These little additions will make your casserole even more delightful, and I promise they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

How to Store Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them so they stay fresh and tasty for later.

– In the fridge

Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or oven until bubbly and hot again.

– In the freezer

For longer storage, you can freeze your casserole. After it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer-safe dish. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.

– As individual servings

For easy, portioned meals, consider storing your casserole in individual containers. This makes reheating a breeze, and it helps prevent the casserole from drying out since each serving can be heated separately. Keep these in the fridge or freezer, depending on when you plan to enjoy them!

Storing your casserole properly ensures that the flavors and textures stay intact, so you can enjoy the comforting goodness anytime you like.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it—your ultimate guide to making the most comforting, cheesy hamburger rice casserole! From the rich layers of beef and cheese to the creamy, savory sauce, every bite is like a warm hug in a dish. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or even prepping some leftovers for the week, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this casserole as much as I do. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later—you’ll want to make it again, trust me. And if you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Got any questions or tweaks you’d like to make? Let me know—I’m always up for chatting about recipes and sharing tips. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 45 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Calories: 550

Description

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy masterpiece that combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese into a warm, creamy dish. It's the perfect weeknight meal, packed with flavor and sure to satisfy your cravings!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 cup uncooked white rice

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onion and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
4. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, if needed.
5. Stir in the garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper, mixing well to combine the seasonings with the beef and onion.
6. Add the uncooked white rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the beef and onion mixture.
7. Pour in the beef broth, the cream of mushroom soup, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, stirring everything together.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
9. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
10. Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
11. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, mixing until the cheese is melted and the casserole is creamy.
12. Taste the casserole and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
13. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy hamburger rice casserole.

Note

• If you prefer a spicier casserole, consider using diced tomatoes with mild or hot green chilies.
• For extra flavor, you can sauté the garlic with the onions.
• Substitute the sour cream with cream cheese for a richer texture.
• For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Ensure you don’t overcook the rice to prevent it from becoming mushy.

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