This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the perfect dish for anyone looking for comfort food that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table. With a rich combination of savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melty cheddar cheese, this casserole is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a meal that everyone will delight in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This casserole takes only 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The blend of beef, cheese, and spices creates a deliciously satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping cheeses.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, which means less clean-up for you!
- Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored for later, ensuring a hassle-free dinner on busy days.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Essential for browning the beef evenly while allowing ample space to mix in other ingredients.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect size for holding all the ingredients together as they bake into a delicious casserole.
- Aluminum foil: Helps trap moisture while cooking, ensuring your casserole stays juicy and tender.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Step 3: Add Rice and Broth
Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cheese Topping
After baking covered, remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve with Garnish
Once done baking, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole!
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Serving Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole can elevate your meal experience and impress your guests. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors.
Pair with Salad
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch.
- Caesar Salad: This classic salad features romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and croutons for a creamy texture contrast.
Add Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread to soak up the cheesy goodness of the casserole.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Include Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy green option that complements the casserole.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots add color and sweetness to your meal.
How to Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
To achieve the best results with your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ground beef and high-quality cheese enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: Since the rice will continue cooking in the oven, slightly undercook it to prevent mushiness.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate veggies like bell peppers or spinach into the mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Complementing your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the casserole.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a classic summer side that pairs wonderfully.
- Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans lend a sweet and savory flavor that works well with beef dishes.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and help absorb any extra sauce.
- Grilled Zucchini: Lightly grilled zucchini offers a healthy side packed with flavor.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich casserole.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, avoiding certain pitfalls can enhance your dish significantly.
- Ignoring the rice cooking method: Make sure to use long-grain rice and follow the recipe’s instructions. Not all rice cooks the same way, which can lead to uneven textures.
- Not draining excess fat: After browning the ground beef, always drain the fat. This keeps your casserole from becoming greasy and overly heavy.
- Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget to season adequately. A lack of salt and pepper can result in a bland casserole. Taste as you go!
- Overbaking the cheese: Baking too long after adding cheese can cause it to become tough. Keep an eye on it for that perfect melt.
- Using cold ingredients: For best results, let your ingredients come to room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can affect cooking times.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Reheat with a splash of broth over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole that might help you while making this dish.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. It may also change the texture slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or black beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian twist.
How can I customize my Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition and flavor. Experimenting with different cheeses can also provide unique tastes!
What pairs well with this casserole?
Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that balances the rich flavors of the casserole.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is more than just comfort food; it’s a versatile dish that fits any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as leftovers, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this dish features savory ground beef simmered with creamy mushroom soup and topped with ooey-gooey cheddar cheese. With its easy preparation and delightful flavors, it’s a meal that promises to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. Plus, it’s customizable—feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables or try different cheeses! This one-pan wonder not only saves time on clean-up but also allows you to enjoy delicious leftovers. Give your family something to smile about with this hearty casserole tonight!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, salt, black pepper, and paprika; bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to the baking dish; cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole (approx. 291g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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