There’s something so comforting about a cheesy hamburger rice casserole, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening! This dish is my go-to when I want to whip up something hearty and satisfying for my family. I remember the first time I made it—my kids’ faces lit up as the cheesy goodness bubbled away in the oven. The aroma filled the house, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s packed with flavors and super simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved family favorite, just like it is in my home!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to get started on your cheesy hamburger rice casserole. Don’t worry—it’s super straightforward, and you probably have most of these ingredients already in your kitchen!
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Feel free to mix it up if you want! You can use ground turkey for a leaner option or add your favorite spices for an extra kick. The choice is yours, and that’s what makes this dish so fun to customize!
How to Prepare Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this cheesy hamburger rice casserole! I promise, it’s a breeze to put together, and your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and become that perfect golden-brown on top. While it’s heating, you can get started on the next steps!
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
In a skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and chopped onion. Cook it all together until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks for even browning—nobody wants clumps of meat in their casserole!
Step 3: Season the Meat
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will add a lovely depth of flavor to your meat. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix it all together until everything is well combined—this is where the magic starts to happen!
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Now, it’s time to transfer that delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly—this helps it cook uniformly, so every bite is equally tasty.
Step 6: Add Remaining Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top of your casserole. This will create that glorious cheesy crust we all love. I mean, can you ever have too much cheese? I think not!
Step 7: Bake and Serve
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake it for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. To check for doneness, give it a little shake—the casserole should be set but not overly jiggly. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Your family will be eagerly waiting for this cheesy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This cheesy hamburger rice casserole comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without a lot of fuss.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of savory beef, creamy soup, and gooey cheese brings a cozy warmth that’s just like a big hug from your favorite blanket.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this dish! It’s a surefire way to get everyone gathered around the dinner table, smiling and satisfied.
- Customizable: You can easily make this casserole your own by swapping in different proteins or adding extra veggies—get creative!
- One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks together in one baking dish, which means less cleanup for you! Yay for easy post-dinner chores!
- Leftover Love: It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, so you can enjoy delicious leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Tips for Success
To make your cheesy hamburger rice casserole even better, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t be afraid to get creative with your spices. A sprinkle of paprika or a dash of chili powder can really kick things up a notch. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully instead of beef—just keep an eye on the cooking time since they can cook a bit faster.
Also, consider adding some veggies! Frozen peas or corn can be mixed in for extra color and nutrition. And if you want that extra cheesy goodness, try mixing in some cream cheese along with the shredded cheddar for a creamy twist. Remember, this recipe is all about making it your own, so have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Always double-check if you’re tracking macros or calories closely!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to bake.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, no worries! You can use cream of chicken soup, or even a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. Just keep the same consistency for best results.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It’s just as tasty the next day, I promise!
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Feel free to toss in some frozen peas, corn, or even diced bell peppers. They’ll add extra flavor and nutrients. Just mix them in when you combine the other ingredients.
What’s the best way to freeze this casserole?
To freeze, let your casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed!
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and comforting cheesy hamburger rice casserole filled with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat and mix in garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, rice, soup, beef broth, tomatoes, and half of the cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add your favorite spices.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Top with green onions before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cheesy hamburger rice casserole