Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

When you need a meal that’s warm, filling, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the answer. It’s made with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, plenty of melted cheese, and a creamy, savory base that brings everything together. One bite and it feels like classic comfort food simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying.

This is the kind of recipe families rely on during busy weeknights. It uses budget friendly ingredients, comes together in one dish, and bakes into a bubbly, cheesy casserole that tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re feeding kids, meal prepping, or bringing a dish to share, this casserole never disappoints.

If you love easy dinners like Easy Lasagna Cups or Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

What Is Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a baked one dish meal made with ground beef (hamburger), rice, cheese, and a creamy sauce. Everything cooks together in the oven, allowing the rice to absorb flavor from the beef and seasonings while the cheese melts into a rich, comforting topping.

Why this dish works so well:

• Ground beef adds savory depth
• Rice makes it filling and budget friendly
• Cheese adds richness and comfort
• Baking blends all the flavors perfectly

It’s simple food done right.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pan, no fuss dinner
• Uses pantry and freezer staples
• Kid approved flavors
• Easy to customize
• Great for leftovers and meal prep
• Freezer friendly

This is a reliable recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add Ins

• ½ cup frozen peas or corn
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup diced bell peppers
• ½ tsp paprika or Italian seasoning

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Ground Beef: Use lean beef (80/20 or 85/15). Ground turkey also works.
• Rice: Long grain white rice cooks best. Avoid instant rice.
• Cream Soup: Cream of mushroom is classic, but cream of chicken or cheddar soup works too.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor, but Colby Jack or mozzarella can be used.
• Broth: Beef broth adds depth, but chicken broth is fine in a pinch.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

This casserole takes about 10 minutes of prep and 45–50 minutes in the oven.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together beef broth, milk, and cream of mushroom soup until smooth.

Stir in uncooked rice and the cooked beef mixture. Mix well so everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Pour the mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Cover tightly with foil.

Step 4: Bake

Bake covered for 35 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and absorb the liquid.

Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, and return to oven uncovered.

Bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to scoop.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Cover tightly during the first bake so rice cooks evenly
• Don’t use instant rice it turns mushy
• Let casserole rest before serving
• If edges brown too fast, tent loosely with foil
• Taste beef mixture before baking and adjust seasoning

Recipe Variations

Creamier Casserole

Add:

• ½ cup sour cream
• Or ¼ cup cream cheese

Stir into the rice mixture before baking.

Mexican Style Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Use taco seasoning
• Add black beans and corn
• Top with Mexican cheese blend

Veggie Packed Version

Add:

• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Zucchini

Sauté vegetables with the beef before assembling.

Spicy Version

• Add red pepper flakes
• Use pepper jack cheese
• Stir in diced jalapeños

Healthier Option

• Use ground turkey
• Use low fat cheese
• Replace half the rice with cauliflower rice (reduce liquid slightly)

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad
• Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans
• Add garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Top with fresh parsley or green onions

This casserole is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator

• Store leftovers in an airtight container
• Keeps well for 3–4 days

Reheating

• Oven: 350°F for 15–20 minutes
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring if possible

Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.

Freezing Tips

• Assemble casserole but don’t bake
• Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months
• Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding 20–25 minutes

You can also freeze baked leftovers in individual portions.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 420–480
• Protein: 25–30g
• Fat: 18–22g
• Carbs: 35–40g

Values vary based on cheese and beef used.

Common Problems & How to Fix Them

Rice undercooked:
Dish wasn’t sealed tightly. Cover better next time or bake longer.

Too dry:
Add ¼–½ cup extra broth before reheating.

Too soupy:
Let casserole rest longer before serving.

Bland flavor:
Increase seasoning or use sharp cheese.

Recipe FAQ,s

Can I use cooked rice?
Yes, but reduce liquid by half and bake uncovered for less time.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready.

Is this kid-friendly?
Very. Mild, cheesy flavors make it a family favorite.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger dish and extend baking time slightly.

Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase liquid and bake time.

Why This Recipe Works

• Rice absorbs beefy, creamy flavor
• Cheese adds richness and comfort
• One-dish baking simplifies cleanup
• Flexible ingredients fit many tastes
• Great texture after baking and reheating

It’s dependable, forgiving, and always satisfying.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table. It’s warm, hearty, and loaded with comforting flavors that feel familiar and satisfying. With simple ingredients, easy prep, and reliable results, it’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

Once you make this casserole, it quickly becomes a go to family favorite the kind of recipe you save, share, and come back to again and again.