Irresistible Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

The aroma of bubbling cheese and seasoned beef wafting through the air can make anyone weak in the knees. Imagine a delightful cheesy hamburger rice casserole that combines all the comforting flavors of a classic burger while being baked to perfection. It’s like a warm hug in a dish, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet simple to whip up.

This cheesy creation brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the room and delicious food was shared. Picture this: everyone gathered around the table, eagerly waiting to dive into this delightful casserole. Whether it’s a rainy day or just a craving for comfort food, this dish is guaranteed to spark joy and bring smiles all around.

Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease; it creates the ideal savory base for your casserole.
• Long Grain Rice: White or brown rice works well; it absorbs the flavors beautifully during baking.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth, bringing everything together in harmony.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses each bite with aromatic goodness that complements the beef perfectly.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add moisture and acidity, balancing out the richness of the cheese.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This provides creaminess; you can substitute with cream of chicken if preferred.
• Shredded Cheese: Use your favorite cheese blend; cheddar or Monterey Jack works great for that gooey finish.

For added seasoning:

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for flavor enhancement; season generously but taste as you go.
• Dried Oregano: A pinch gives an extra layer of flavor reminiscent of Italian comfort food.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy temperature of 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your favorite baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so your cheesy masterpiece doesn’t cling to its confines.

Step 2: Brown That Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, toss in your ground beef along with chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go. Drain any excess fat—unless you’re feeling rebellious!

Step 3: Mix in the Goodies

Once your beef is ready, stir in diced tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and cream of mushroom soup. Combine thoroughly until everyone’s mingling happily. Then add cooked rice into this meaty mixture—stirring until all ingredients are beautifully blended.

Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole

Pour half of this savory mixture into your prepped baking dish. Sprinkle half of that glorious shredded cheese on top before layering on the remaining beef-rice mix. Top it off with the rest of that cheesy goodness—don’t be shy now!

Step 5: Bake It Up

Cover your casserole dish with aluminum foil (shiny side down) and bake it in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last ten minutes to let that cheese get bubbly and golden brown—a sight that’ll have you drooling!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Remove from oven and let cool slightly—if you can resist! Scoop out generous portions onto plates or into bowls, serving alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread for dipping.

Now you’ve got yourself a cheesy hamburger rice casserole that’ll have everyone begging for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Enjoy every comforting bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. While that’s sizzling away, cook your rice according to package instructions. Once the beef is browned and the rice is fluffy, combine them with your favorite cheese and spices for a delightful casserole experience.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or veggie crumbles for a lighter option. Spice things up with jalapeños or add in some veggies like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, pop it in the microwave until warmed through, or bake it at 350°F for about 15 minutes to restore that glorious cheesy texture.

Sometimes I whip up this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole when friends come over for game night. It’s always a hit, and I love seeing everyone gobbling it up while cheering for their team!

FAQs:

What is Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines ground beef, rice, cheese, and vegetables. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, providing comfort food that the whole family will love. It’s easy to prepare and bake, making it ideal for those who want a filling dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. You can customize it with different cheeses or add your favorite veggies to suit your taste.

How long does it take to cook Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?

Typically, Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll need around 15 minutes for prep work, including browning the ground beef and chopping any vegetables. After assembling the casserole, bake it in the oven for about 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden on top. This makes it a great option when you have limited time but still want to serve a hearty meal.

Can I make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole without baking it and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply preheat your oven and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked casserole for up to three months. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

What should I serve with Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with breadsticks or garlic bread for extra comfort. If you want to elevate the dish further, consider adding a side of coleslaw or roasted Brussels sprouts. These sides complement the richness of the casserole while adding freshness.

Conclusion for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:

In summary, Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is an easy-to-make dish that brings together ground beef, rice, cheese, and vegetables into a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this casserole makes weeknight dinners effortless yet satisfying. Don’t hesitate to customize your recipe by adding different toppings or sides to create your family’s version of this classic favorite!

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Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting one-pan dish featuring savory ground beef, tender rice, and gooey melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Mix in Additional Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, dried oregano, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Combine well and then add in the cooked rice.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour half of the beef-rice mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top. Layer the remaining beef-rice mixture and finish with the rest of the cheese.
5. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to allow cheese to bubble and brown.
6. Serve: Allow cooling slightly before serving. Enjoy with a fresh salad or crusty bread.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or veggie crumbles. Add jalapeños or bell peppers for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in microwave or oven.