Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is one of those ground beef casserole recipes that brings families together around the dinner table. This easy hamburger rice casserole combines tender rice, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese into a satisfying one-dish meal that everyone loves.
I discovered this recipe during a busy week when I needed fast dinner recipes that wouldn’t stress my budget or my schedule. My kids were skeptical at first, but one bite of this cheesy and creamy ground beef rice casserole changed their minds completely. Now they request it at least twice a month.
What makes this dish special is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Just basic pantry staples come together to create something truly comforting. This is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Your Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Main Components
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best for flavor and moisture)
• 2 cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds more flavor)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 cups beef broth (for cooking the rice)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Fresh parsley for garnish
The beauty of hamburger meat recipes like this one is their flexibility. You can adjust the ingredients based on what’s in your pantry without sacrificing taste.
Instructions: Making Your Cheesy Hamburger and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Rice
Start by cooking your rice properly. This step matters more than you might think.
Pour 3 cups of beef broth into a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add 2 cups of rice, reduce heat to low, and cover tightly. Cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
Using beef broth instead of water adds extra flavor to your ground beef and rice skillet. This small change makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.
Set the cooked rice aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
Cook the beef for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains. The meat should be evenly browned with a nice texture.
Add the diced onion to the skillet during the last 3 minutes of cooking. This softens the onion and brings out its natural sweetness.
Drain any excess grease from the pan. This prevents your casserole from becoming oily. A properly drained beef mixture ensures better texture in your finished dish.
Season the beef and onion mixture with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir them together until completely smooth and well blended.
This creamy base is what transforms simple ingredients into a cohesive, delicious casserole. The soup provides body while the sour cream adds tanginess that balances the richness.
Add the cooked rice to this mixture and fold gently until every grain is coated. Then add the seasoned ground beef and onions, mixing everything together evenly.
The mixture should look creamy but not soupy. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Step 4: Assemble Your Beef Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F while you assemble the casserole.
Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or grease it lightly with butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Transfer the beef and rice mixture into the prepared dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets. Make sure the mixture reaches all corners of the pan for even cooking.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire surface. Don’t be shy with the cheese. It creates that golden, bubbly top that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. The edges should be slightly crispy, and you might see some bubbling around the sides.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the casserole set up, making it easier to serve neat portions.
Pro Tips and Variations for Ground Beef Casserole Recipes Easy
Expert Tips
Use room temperature ingredients. Cold sour cream and soup don’t mix as smoothly. Let them sit out for 15 minutes before combining.
Don’t overcook the rice initially. Remember, it will continue cooking in the oven. Slightly undercooked rice prevents mushiness in the final dish.
Layer flavors thoughtfully. Season at each step rather than just at the end. Season the beef while browning, adjust the creamy mixture, and taste before baking.
Let it rest before serving. Those 5 minutes after baking allow the casserole to firm up. You’ll get cleaner servings and better presentation.
Delicious Variations
Mexican-Style Twist: Replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup. Add taco seasoning to the beef, use Mexican blend cheese, and top with sliced jalapeños before baking.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots) when combining the rice and beef. This adds nutrition and color without extra effort.
Lighter Version: Substitute ground turkey for beef, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese. The flavor stays delicious while cutting calories.
Bacon Lover’s Dream: Cook 6 strips of bacon until crispy, crumble them, and mix into the casserole before baking. Reserve some for sprinkling on top.
Mushroom Enhancement: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions. This intensifies the mushroom flavor and adds meaty texture.
Crunchy Top Option: Mix 1 cup of crushed crackers or fried onions with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle over the cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Make-Ahead Magic
This is one of those ground beef and rice recipes easy enough to prep ahead. Assemble the entire casserole (without the cheese topping) and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, add the cheese, and bake as directed. You might need an extra 5 minutes in the oven since it’s starting cold.
You can also freeze this casserole. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Serving Suggestions for Your Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipes Easy
Perfect Pairings
This cheesy rice hamburger casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but these sides complement it beautifully:
Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Use mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy dressing.
Steamed Vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, or glazed carrots add color and nutrition to your plate. The fresh vegetables balance the creamy casserole perfectly.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy goodness. Toast thick slices until golden and crispy.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast. The crunch and acidity work wonderfully with the creamy casserole.
Pickles and Condiments: Set out dill pickles, extra sour cream, and hot sauce. Let everyone customize their plate according to their taste preferences.
Serving for Different Occasions
Family Dinner: Serve directly from the baking dish for a casual, homey feel. Let everyone help themselves to generous portions.
Potluck or Gathering: This casserole travels well and stays warm in the dish. Bring it in a insulated carrier and watch it disappear quickly.
Meal Prep: Divide leftovers into individual containers. They reheat beautifully for quick lunches throughout the week.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as everything melds together.
To reheat individual portions, microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. Stir halfway for even warming.
For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to recrisp the cheese on top.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole proves that the best comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
What makes this one of my favorite hamburger meat recipes is its reliability. It works every single time, whether I’m cooking on a busy weeknight or preparing food for a family gathering. The combination of creamy rice, seasoned beef, and melted cheese hits all the right comfort food notes.
This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours too. It’s affordable, filling, and most importantly, delicious. Plus, it’s one of those fast dinner recipes you can customize endlessly to suit your family’s tastes.
Give this easy hamburger rice casserole a try tonight. Your family will thank you, and you might just find your new go-to dinner solution.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but cook it completely before adding to the casserole. Brown rice takes longer to cook and won’t soften properly during the 25-minute baking time. Cook it according to package directions first.
What other soups work in this recipe?
Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cream of onion soup work well. Each gives a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture.
Can I make this without sour cream?
Absolutely. Replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. You can also use additional cream soup or add a splash of heavy cream.
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Cook the rice just until tender, not beyond. Also, make sure to drain the ground beef thoroughly. Excess moisture is the main culprit behind mushy casseroles.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Use two 9×13 pans or one very large baking dish. You may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time for a larger, deeper casserole.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but medium cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all work beautifully. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Can I add pasta instead of rice?
While this changes the recipe significantly, you can use cooked elbow macaroni or egg noodles. The result will be more like a hamburger helper casserole, but still delicious.
