Some nights call for stretchy pants and second helpings. This cheesy hamburger rice casserole is that kind of mealeasy, gooey, and wildly popular lately thanks to Pinterest boards and TikTok videos of bubbling, golden cheese. It’s a beginner-friendly, dinner-table hit that takes about 15 minutes to prep. Comfort meets quick.
This casserole’s made with ground beef, white rice, and lots of melty cheddarnothing fancy, just pantry classics doing their best work. It’s close cousins with your favorite cheesy hamburger rice and those hearty ground beef casserole recipes your mom used to make. Full details in the blog!
I grew up in a Texas kitchen where casseroles were written in pencil, not inkflexible, familiar, and right from the pantry. We tested this one until the flavor and texture snapped into place. I added a crisp twist on top. You’ll love the secret crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Comfort food at its best: Think creamy, cheesy, hearty warmth in every bite. It’s like a hug in casserole form.
Quick prep: Ready in about 45 minutes, with just 10 minutes of hands-on work.
Pantry-friendly: Made with everyday staples you likely already have on hand.
Family-approved: Kids and adults alike will love scooping up second (or third) servings of this cheesy goodness.
Whether you’re craving that nostalgic Hamburger Rice Casserole from childhood or just need a no-fuss dinner, this recipe has your back!
Key Ingredients and Simple Swaps
This casserole relies on simple ingredients working together beautifully. Here’s the lowdown:
Ground beef: The hearty baseclassic and filling.
Rice: Long-grain white rice cooks up tender and fluffy.
Cream of mushroom soup: Adds that signature creaminess. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, cream of celery also works!
Cheddar cheese: Melty and sharp. You can try Monterey Jack or Colby for a mild twist.
Beef broth: Deepens the flavors and keeps the rice moist as it bakes.
Seasoning: A dash of paprika adds a smoky depth, while parsley freshens everything up at the end.
Ingredient
Possible Swap
Ground beef
Ground turkey or chicken
Cream of mushroom soup
Cream of celery soup
Cheddar cheese
Colby, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend
How to Make It Step-by-Step
If you’ve ever browned ground beef or cooked rice, you’re already halfway to making this Easy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. Here’s how it comes together:
Brown the beef: In a skillet, cook your ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain the grease and set aside.
Combine the layers: In the same skillet or a mixing bowl, stir together the beef, uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Assemble: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top.
Bake: Pop it into a 350°F oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Finish with garnish: Scatter fresh parsley over the top for a little color and freshness before serving.
Step
Timing
Prepare and cook beef
10 minutes
Layer and assemble
5 minutes
Bake
35–40 minutes
Serving & Storage Tips
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is fantastic fresh out of the oven, but if you’re planning ahead or managing leftovers, here’s what you need to know:
Serving ideas: Pair with a crisp green salad or simple roasted veggies to balance the richness of the casserole.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve!
Storage Method
How Long It Keeps
Refrigerator
3 days
Assembled (unbaked) in fridge
1 day
Freezer (baked)
Up to 2 months
Expert Insight: The Science Behind Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole combines protein, carbohydrates, and fat in a balanced way that supports sustained energy and satiety. The melting cheese not only enhances flavor but also aids in nutrient absorption by providing fat that helps dissolve fat-soluble vitamins present in the ingredients.
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Finding the Balance in My Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
This cheesy hamburger rice casserole took several meals and a few overcooked batches before it felt just right. I learned to balance the cheese and seasoning so it never felt heavy, creating a comforting dish that’s both wholesome and satisfying for busy families.
FAQs ( Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole )
What makes this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole so easy to make?
This Easy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a true one-dish wonder that requires minimal prep work. You simply brown the ground beef, mix it with cooked rice, cheese, and your favorite seasonings, then bake everything together. The beauty of this ground beef casserole recipe is that most ingredients are pantry staples, and you can have it ready for the oven in about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the fuss!
Can I make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Hamburger Rice Casserole is fantastic for meal prep and make-ahead dinners. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge. You can also freeze the assembled casserole for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight before baking.
What type of cheese works best in this casserole?
For the ultimate Cheese Ground Beef And Rice Casserole, sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice because it melts beautifully and adds that tangy flavor we all love. However, you can mix things up with Monterey Jack for creaminess, or try a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor. Many families love using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for the perfect balance of taste and meltability. The key is using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for the best melting results.
How long do leftovers keep and how do I reheat them?
Leftover Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. For reheating, the oven method works best – cover with foil and warm at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If the casserole seems a bit dry after storage, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to restore that creamy texture.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this casserole?
Since this rice casserole recipe is already a complete meal with protein, carbs, and cheese, you’ll want lighter sides that complement rather than compete. A crisp green salad with Italian dressing cuts through the richness perfectly, while steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are always crowd-pleasers, and a simple cucumber tomato salad brings freshness to the table. For families with kids, corn or peas make great veggie additions that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole comes together in under an hour with simple pantry staples, delivering a creamy, comforting dish every time. You’ll love how the tender rice and melty cheese blend with seasoned ground beefwarm, hearty, and just right for busy weeknights.
For a little twist, try swapping cream of mushroom for celery soup or sprinkle crispy breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra cruncha neat tip from a favorite home cook I know. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this a perfect make-ahead in your roster of reliable ground beef casserole recipes.
Now it’s your turngive this cozy cheese ground beef and rice casserole a whirl and share your favorite add-ins or family traditions below. Did this one remind you of a dish from your childhood? Pass it on and savor those kitchen memories together.
Yesica Andrews
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: Easy and Delicious Recipe
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese into a hearty and satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this easy cheesy hamburger rice casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s full of flavor. Enjoy this cheese ground beef and rice casserole as a delicious, easy meal the whole family will love.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain excess fat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and paprika; mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove from oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Return to oven uncovered and bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a creamier casserole, add a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before baking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
