Get ready to meet your new family favorite. This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the definition of comfort food. It’s a simple, one-pan wonder packed with savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a gloriously gooey cheese topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that is both incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters, you’ve found it. This recipe is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort.
We combine seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a creamy sauce, then bake it all under a thick blanket of melted cheddar. It’s warm, it’s hearty, and it’s the perfect answer to the question, “What’s for dinner?” Plus, it’s a fantastic recipe for meal prep! For another guaranteed family-pleaser, you have to try this Easy Lasagna Recipe.
Why This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a Weeknight Winner
- Incredibly Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together in no time.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The classic combination of beef, rice, and cheese is a certified crowd-pleaser.
- One-Pan Meal: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, making your evening that much more relaxing.
- Great for Leftovers: This casserole tastes just as delicious the next day, perfect for lunch or another dinner.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.
For the Casserole Base:
- Ground Beef: We recommend using 80/20 or 85/15 ground chuck for the best flavor and texture.
- Long-Grain White Rice: This type of rice cooks up fluffy and holds its shape well in the casserole.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational flavor of the dish. Fresh is best!
- Beef Broth: Provides the liquid needed to cook the rice and adds a deep, savory flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: A can of petite diced tomatoes adds moisture and a touch of acidity.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This is our secret ingredient for an extra kick of umami flavor.
- Seasonings: We’re using a simple but effective blend of dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
For the Cheesy Topping:
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For that classic, tangy, cheesy pull. We recommend shredding your own for the best melting.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds that perfect stretch and creamy texture.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate comfort food dinner. It’s a straightforward process that delivers a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the entire mixture from the skillet into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 5-10 minutes more, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the gooiest, most delicious topping, buy a block and shred it yourself.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving is crucial. It helps the dish firm up so it doesn’t fall apart when you serve it.
- Toast the Rice: For an extra layer of nutty flavor, stir the uncooked rice into the beef and onions for a minute before adding the liquids. This simple step makes a big difference. If you enjoy one-pot meals, our Crack Chicken Casserole is another must-try.
Fun Variations to Try
While this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for customization. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen corn, peas, or mixed vegetables along with the liquids for an easy nutrition boost.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions for a little heat.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Try a blend of Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Creamy Version: For an even richer casserole, stir in a can of condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup with the beef broth. This reminds us of our favorite Chicken and Stuffing Casserole (coming soon).
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This casserole is perfect for making ahead or enjoying later. To store, allow it to cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, you can either warm individual portions in the microwave or place the entire baking dish (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Bake the casserole as directed and allow it to cool completely. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole without the cheese topping, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time, then top with cheese and finish as directed.
Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Just follow the same cooking instructions.
This is a great one-pan meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted green beans. For a classic comfort meal, serve it with a side of garlic bread.
Long-grain white rice is the best choice for this recipe. It holds its shape well during baking and absorbs the liquid without becoming mushy, resulting in a perfect texture.
The Best Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole (The Ultimate Comfort Food)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top. Return to the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add Veggies: Feel free to add 1 cup of frozen corn or peas with the liquids for extra nutrition.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole without baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time.
Pin This Recipe For Later!
We know you’ll love this easy and delicious dinner. Don’t forget to save this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest! It’s the perfect meal to have on hand for busy weeks.
