Cozy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Family Fun

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable cheesy hamburger rice casserole that promises to satisfy every hungry soul at the dinner table.

Hearty ground beef mingles perfectly with fluffy rice and melted cheese in a mouthwatering combination.

The simple ingredients create a robust meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Home cooks will love how quickly this casserole comes together, making it a go-to meal for busy families.

Rich, creamy, and packed with protein, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Prepare to delight your taste buds and fill hungry bellies with this irresistible one-pan wonder.

How to Save Hamburger Casserole

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole flat to maintain its texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap the casserole in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Avoid storing with cheese on top for best quality.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes. Uncover and broil for 2-3 minutes to restore the cheesy top's crispy texture.

What Goes Well with Hamburger Casserole

• Pairing Perfect Protein Punch: Grilled chicken skewers complement the beef's richness, adding a lighter protein dimension to the hearty casserole.
• Veggie Vibrance Booster: Roasted broccoli or green beans provide a crisp, fresh contrast to the creamy, cheesy rice dish, balancing the meal's texture and nutrition.
• Wine Wisdom Match: Opt for a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Merlot, whose fruity notes cut through the casserole's richness while enhancing its savory depth.
• Cool Beverage Companion: Crisp amber beer or a tangy lemonade offers a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's dense, cheesy flavor profile.

Hamburger Rice Casserole Variations

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace cream of mushroom soup with gluten-free cream soup and use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and use ground turkey for a lighter protein option, maintaining the cheesy, satisfying flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, keeping the creamy texture and cheesy topping intact.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a zesty flavor explosion.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! You can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before broiling. Just add cheese and broil when ready to serve, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great in this recipe. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients.

• What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?

No problem. You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce. The goal is to keep the creamy, binding texture that helps blend all ingredients together.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Try adding diced green chilies, a dash of hot sauce, or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the mixture. These will give the casserole an extra kick without changing the core recipe.

Why Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Is a Favorite

• This recipe transforms complex cooking into a simple, straightforward process anyone can master, even with minimal kitchen experience.
• Packed with hearty ingredients like ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, this casserole guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies multiple taste preferences.
• Requiring just one skillet and minimal preparation steps, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal solutions.
• Easily adaptable with potential ingredient swaps like different cheeses, adding vegetables, or using alternative protein sources, making it a versatile recipe for creative home cooks.

Ingredients in Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the casserole and provides rich, savory flavor.

• Uncooked Rice: A classic pantry staple that absorbs the delicious sauce and creates a filling foundation for the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Diced Tomatoes: A combination that adds moisture, creaminess, and tangy depth to the casserole.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty, stretchy cheese that creates a golden, bubbly finish and adds creamy richness.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.

Cooking Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Step 1: Crumble and Brown Beef

Grab your skillet and crumble ground beef into it.

Turn the heat to medium-high and cook the beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula.

Cook until the beef turns a beautiful golden-brown color.

Carefully drain off any excess grease to keep the dish lighter.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Base

• Ground beef
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Diced tomatoes
• Uncooked rice

Add the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with their juice, and uncooked rice to the browned beef.

Gently stir everything together, ensuring the rice gets completely coated with the mixture.

Step 3: Simmer and Cook

Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low.

Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Watch for the rice to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.

The dish should start looking creamy and well-combined.

Step 4: Prepare for Broiling

Turn on the oven broiler to get it ready for the final touch.

This will help create that irresistible golden, crispy top everyone loves.

Step 5: Transfer and Top

Carefully transfer the rice and beef mixture into a casserole dish.

Spread it evenly across the dish.

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire surface.

Step 6: Broil to Perfection

Slide the casserole under the broiler.

Watch closely for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts completely and turns a beautiful golden-brown color.

Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serving

Remove the casserole from the broiler.

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot.

The cheese should be melted and slightly crispy on top, creating a mouthwatering finish.

Tips to Improve Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Use a colander or slotted spoon to efficiently remove excess beef fat, ensuring a leaner and healthier casserole without losing flavor.
• Stir rice thoroughly in the mixture to coat each grain, promoting even cooking and maximizing flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Watch the broiler closely and rotate the dish for uniform golden-brown cheese coverage, preventing burning and achieving perfect melting consistency.
• Replace regular salt with herbs like dried basil or oregano to enhance flavor while reducing sodium content for health-conscious individuals.
• Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms to create a delicious vegetarian version without compromising the casserole's rich texture.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, blending hearty ground beef with creamy cheese and fluffy rice. Family-friendly flavors merge in one satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Dairy:

• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Pantry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup long grain white rice
• 1 (10.75 ounces) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes with juice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles until golden and thoroughly cooked. Drain excess fat completely.
2. Add cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, and uncooked rice directly into the skillet. Stir ingredients together, ensuring rice is evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and let simmer for approximately 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking of rice.
4. Preheat oven broiler to high temperature while rice finishes cooking.
5. Transfer beef and rice mixture into a casserole dish, spreading evenly across the surface. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Position casserole under broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until cheese melts and turns golden brown with slight crispy edges.
7. Remove from broiler and season with salt and pepper according to personal preference. Allow casserole to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving hot.

Notes

• Enhance rice texture by rinsing uncooked rice before adding to the skillet, removing excess starch for fluffier results.
• Customize protein options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and monitoring added salt during seasoning.
• Boost vegetable content by incorporating diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach into the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg