If you’re craving a comforting, hearty, and downright delicious meal, then this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. It combines the savory richness of ground beef with fluffy rice, creamy cheese, and just the right touch of spices—all baked together to create a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish that feels like a big, comforting hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this casserole promises flavor and ease in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element plays a crucial role: the beef brings hearty protein, the rice adds a tender base, and the combination of cheese and creamy soup creates that irresistible cheesy texture we all love.
- 1 pound ground beef: Use lean or regular; it will provide savory richness and a meaty foundation.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to perfection.
- 1 cup uncooked white rice: The star carb that soaks up flavors and keeps the casserole substantial.
- 2 cups beef broth: Infuses the rice with extra meaty goodness and moisture.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and that classic comfort food vibe.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies: Brings brightness and a subtle kick to elevate the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that aromatic punch without the fuss of fresh garlic.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers an herby backdrop that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and seasoning balance.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The gooey, melty star ingredient that makes everything extra delicious.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy richness and velvety texture to the final casserole.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and keeping everything flavorful.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and adding a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, toss in the chopped onions. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become translucent. This step creates a sweet, fragrant base that will marry beautifully with the beef.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next up, add the ground beef to the skillet with those softened onions. Break the beef apart using a wooden spoon or spatula, cooking until it turns a rich brown color and is no longer pink. Browning the beef well adds layers of flavor and ensures the best texture in your casserole.
Step 3: Season the Meat Mixture
Drain excess fat if needed to keep the casserole from feeling greasy but still rich. Then sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the spices evenly coat the beef and onions. This seasoning step is the secret to that mouthwatering savory flavor.
Step 4: Add Rice and Liquids
Now, stir in the uncooked white rice, making sure each grain gets coated with the beef mixture. Pour in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and the diced tomatoes with green chilies. The combination of creamy soup and zesty tomatoes brings moisture and excitement to the casserole.
Step 5: Simmer Until Rice Is Tender
Bring the entire skillet mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes. During this time, the rice absorbs all those wonderful flavors and becomes perfectly tender. Keep an eye on it to ensure nothing sticks or burns.
Step 6: Stir in Cheese and Sour Cream
Once the rice is cooked through and the liquid mostly absorbed, remove the skillet from heat. The final step before serving is to mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Stir well until the cheese melts and the casserole turns luscious and creamy, making it absolutely irresistible.
Step 7: Final Taste and Adjustments
Give your casserole a quick taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more black pepper or a sprinkle of salt can truly make the flavors pop. Now you’re ready to serve this cozy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe!
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To make your casserole even more inviting, consider topping it with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream on top can also add an extra creamy touch that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This cheesy casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, which add brightness and balance out the richness of the dish. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside warm crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual oven-safe ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This makes portions pretty and perfect for gatherings. You could also turn leftovers into stuffed bell peppers by filling halved peppers with warmed casserole and topping with extra cheese before baking briefly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole is perfect for leftovers and reheats beautifully. Store any cooked portions in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. The flavors often meld even better overnight, giving you a tasty second meal.
Freezing
If you want to prep this dish even further in advance, you can freeze it. Cool the casserole completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 2 months. To avoid freezer burn, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If using the microwave, cover the dish to retain moisture and stir occasionally for even heating. A splash of broth or milk added during reheating can bring back that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice can be a great healthier alternative but keep in mind that it takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the simmering time and add extra broth to ensure the rice becomes tender.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and adjust seasonings to your taste.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Sure can! Use dairy-free cheese and substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or a cashew cream. Also, check that the cream of mushroom soup is dairy-free or make your own version to suit your dietary needs.
How spicy is the casserole with the diced tomatoes and green chilies?
The diced tomatoes with green chilies add a gentle kick that’s flavorful but not overpowering. If you prefer less heat, you can opt for plain diced tomatoes or reduce the amount used.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the simmering step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, simmer it gently until the rice is cooked and finish with the cheese and sour cream before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those reliable comfort food go-tos that feels like a homemade hug after a long day. From its simple ingredients to its rich, creamy finish, every bite has a way of making you feel cozy and content. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and see how it quickly becomes a favorite in your household too!
Print
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 45m
- Total Time: 1h 0m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender rice, and a creamy blend of cheese and sour cream. Simmered with flavorful seasonings, tomatoes with green chilies, and rich beef broth, it delivers a perfect balance of savory and cheesy goodness that’s easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- Heat the oil: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil to warm it up.
- Sauté onions: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, releasing their sweet flavor.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon until no pink remains.
- Drain fat: Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasiness.
- Season the mixture: Stir in garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper to evenly season the beef and onion.
- Add rice: Pour in the uncooked white rice and stir well to coat it with the meat and onion mixture.
- Combine liquids: Add the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and diced tomatoes with green chilies; mix until fully incorporated.
- Bring to boil: Increase heat to medium-high until the mixture starts boiling.
- Simmer covered: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
- Remove from heat: Once rice is cooked through, take the skillet off the heat source.
- Mix in cheese and sour cream: Stir shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream into the casserole until the cheese melts and the texture becomes creamy.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add additional salt or pepper if desired to perfect the flavor.
- Serve: Dish out the casserole hot and enjoy this rich, cheesy meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the cream of mushroom soup is certified gluten-free.
- Use low-fat sour cream if you wish to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily in the microwave.
- You may substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
