Imagine walking into a room filled with the warm, mouthwatering aroma of bubbling cheese and seasoned beef. The moment you catch a whiff of Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, your stomach starts to rumble like a hungry bear. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience—creamy, cheesy goodness layered with hearty ingredients that bring comfort on even the gloomiest of days.

Now, let me take you down memory lane. Picture this: a family gathering where laughter echoes through the kitchen as my cousin attempts to recreate our grandma’s famous casserole. Spoiler alert: he almost burned it down! But when we finally dug into his slightly charred version, we all agreed that every gooey bite was worth the chaos. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck party where you want to be crowned the culinary hero, this casserole never disappoints. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive for gatherings
- Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it irresistible
- Visually appealing with golden cheese and colorful veggies, it brightens any table
- Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily adapt ingredients based on what you have on hand
Growing up, my friends would fight over who got the last scoop from my mom’s casserole dish at every family barbecue.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Choose lean beef for less grease and more flavor absorption in the rice and cheese.
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White Rice: Long-grain white rice cooks perfectly in this dish and absorbs all those cheesy flavors.
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Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for that classic cheesy flavor that pulls everyone back for seconds.
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Onion: A sweet onion adds depth; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor impact.
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Garlic Powder: Garlic powder enhances the savory notes without overpowering the other ingredients.
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Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add moisture and acidity; choose ones packed in juice for best results.
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Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers not only brighten up the dish but also contribute sweetness and crunch.
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Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth instead of water infuses more flavor into the rice as it cooks.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors in your casserole!
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Paprika: A sprinkle of paprika adds a smoky touch that elevates this casserole to new heights.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Get ready to turn your kitchen into a fragrant paradise! Follow these straightforward steps to create your own Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole masterpiece.
Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving later.
Sauté Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Add diced onions and bell peppers; cook until they soften and release their sweet aroma.
Add Flavor Packed Ingredients: Stir in garlic powder, canned tomatoes with their juice, rice, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything well until combined; let it simmer for about 5 minutes so all those flavors marry beautifully.
Layer It Up!: Transfer half of the beef-rice mixture into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese evenly over this layer before adding the remaining mixture on top; finish with another generous layer of cheese.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil after 25 minutes to let that cheesy goodness bubble up—bake an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve Hot & Enjoy!: Once baked perfectly, remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving—this helps prevent burns from molten cheese! Grab some forks because everyone will want seconds!
Your kitchen will soon fill with laughter as everyone digs into this flavorful feast!
Now you have everything you need to whip up an unforgettable Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole that combines childhood nostalgia with modern convenience! Enjoy every bite while creating new memories around your dining table!
You Must Know
- Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that combines flavors and textures perfectly
- The bubbling cheese and seasoned ground beef create a delightful aroma, making it an instant family favorite
- Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef with onions, then mix in cooked rice and seasonings before baking. This sequence ensures everything melds together beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add veggies like bell peppers for extra crunch. Customize the spices to match your family’s taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm throughout, keeping that cheesy goodness intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make this casserole even tastier, consider using leftover rice for added flavor
- Ensure the ground beef is well-seasoned before mixing it in
- Don’t skip the cheese; it’s what makes this dish truly irresistible!
It was one of those rainy days when my friends came over unexpectedly. I whipped up this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, and they couldn’t stop raving about it. Now it’s their go-to comfort food! For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, just make sure to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.
What type of cheese works best for this casserole?
Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Can I freeze Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Absolutely! Just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months for future meals.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
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- Author: Clara Rosewood
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that layers creamy cheese, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy rice into one delightful bake. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, its rich flavors and satisfying texture will have everyone coming back for seconds. This easy recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a meal that warms the heart and satisfies the soul, making it an instant favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes. Add diced onion and bell peppers; cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic powder, diced tomatoes, rice, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Layer half of the beef-rice mixture in the baking dish and sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese. Add the remaining mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg









