When you grow up in a house where dinner smells fill the air before your shoes hit the door, casseroles aren’t just meals, they’re memories. This cheesy hamburger rice casserole brings me right back to those weeknights when Mom would use simple pantry staples to whip up something everyone loved. Now, it’s a staple at our own table. My husband lights up every time this comes out of the oven; meaty, creamy, and just cheesy enough to call it a treat. And honestly? It’s the kind of meal you make once and remember forever. Let’s dive into why this might become your next favorite too.
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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
This dish is a total weeknight winner. First off, it’s a one-pan meal that keeps cleanup blissfully simple. Second, the flavor? Rich, savory, cheesy goodness in every bite.
You’ll love it for its versatility; tweak the veggies, spice it up, or use what’s in your fridge. It’s also freezer-friendly and reheats like a dream, so you can double the batch and save time later.
Best part? It’s kid-approved and husband-devoured, just like this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole, which shares a similar cozy vibe.
This casserole doesn’t rely on fancy ingredients. Instead, it uses everyday basics; ground beef, rice, cheese; to deliver a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.
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Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
This cheesy hamburger rice casserole is a weeknight favorite packed with beefy flavor, creamy texture, and a golden cheesy top. It’s comforting, hearty, and incredibly easy to make.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 2 minutes.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in uncooked rice, soups, broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.
6. Bake for 50 minutes, remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
7. Return to oven and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use instant rice to speed up cooking.
Add peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more vegetables.
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Ingredients for Hamburger Rice Casserole
You likely have most of these on hand already:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: peas, bell pepper, or mushrooms for extra veg
Looking for more casseroles with creamy texture? You’ll enjoy the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, too.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Making this dish is as simple as dinner gets:
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 2 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Mix it all up: Stir in uncooked rice, both soups, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Combine well.
- Assemble: Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.
Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy comfort in every bite.
For another twist on beef and carbs, the Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is just as crowd-pleasing.
Tips and Variations
- Short on time? Use minute rice, but reduce the liquid slightly and shorten baking time by 10–15 minutes.
- Make it spicy by tossing in diced green chilies or a dash of cayenne.
- Want more veggies? Stir in some frozen peas or chopped bell peppers before baking. It blends seamlessly into the flavor.
- Try ground turkey for a lighter version, it still pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
If you’re into Tex-Mex flavors, swap cheddar for pepper jack and check out this Texan-inspired Dorito Casserole with Ground Beef for another twist.
You can also make this dish ahead and refrigerate overnight. Just add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if cooking straight from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by 20–25 minutes and add ½ cup extra broth since brown rice takes longer to soften.
Can I freeze cheesy hamburger rice casserole?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack also melt beautifully.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 4–5 hours. Try it like the Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan method for super tender results.
Final Thoughts
This cheesy hamburger rice casserole checks all the boxes: easy, budget-friendly, and full of nostalgic flavor. It’s the kind of dish you whip up on a rainy Tuesday and end up making every other week. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just want a low-stress dinner with high reward, this one delivers. Pair it with a simple salad or roasted veggies and call it a meal.
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