This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the easy, one-pan weeknight dinner you’ve been dreaming of. Packed with savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, it’s a guaranteed family favorite. If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort, you’ve found it. This dish wraps you in a warm hug and is perfect for busy evenings when you need comfort food fast.
We combine seasoned ground beef with tender rice and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for the ultimate gooey texture. It’s a complete meal in one dish, saving you time on cleanup. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is a lifesaver. For another fantastic one-pan meal, check out this delicious crack chicken casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Incredibly Easy: Made with simple, pantry-staple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Family-Friendly: The classic combination of beef, rice, and cheese is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together in one pan, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your dinner.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is fantastic for making ahead. Prepare it over the weekend for a stress-free dinner during the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: We use 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and richness.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Uncooked long-grain white rice works best as it cooks to fluffy perfection right in the casserole.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build a savory foundation of flavor.
- Beef Broth: Provides the liquid needed to cook the rice and adds a deep, savory taste.
- Diced Tomatoes: A can of undrained diced tomatoes adds moisture and a subtle tang.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This is our secret weapon for adding incredible depth and umami.
- Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: We use a combination for the perfect melt and classic cheesy flavor. Shred your own for the best results!
- Seasonings: A simple mix of dried parsley, salt, and black pepper is all you need.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Step-by-Step
Making this ground beef and rice casserole is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time.
1. Brown the Beef
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the meat is browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Combine Ingredients
Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Bake the Casserole
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. There’s no need to peek!
4. Add the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
5. Broil to Perfection
Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest, gooiest casserole, shred a block of cheese yourself.
- Don’t Use Instant Rice: This recipe is designed for long-grain white rice. Instant or quick-cook rice will become mushy.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after broiling helps it set, making it easier to serve.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen corn, peas, or mixed vegetables with the rice for a nutritional boost.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Different Meats: You can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.
- Creamier Sauce: For an even creamier texture, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup with the broth. If you love creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy this Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side. A fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or some roasted green beans are all excellent choices. For a truly comforting meal, serve it alongside some crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. For another cozy dinner idea, try this Easy Lasagna Recipe.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of beef broth to prevent it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the initial bake time since it will be cold.
You can, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook (around 40-45 minutes) and may require an additional 1/2 to 1 cup of beef broth.
To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
This recipe is very flexible! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage would be delicious substitutes for ground beef.
The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food solution for busy weeknights. It’s warm, satisfying, and brings the whole family to the table. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can find it later!
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the meat is browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until it's melted and creamy. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Don't Use Instant Rice: This recipe is designed for long-grain white rice. Instant or quick-cook rice will become mushy.
Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after broiling helps it set, making it easier to serve.
