Quick & Creamy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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My latest kitchen adventure combines hearty hamburger rice casserole with irresistible cheesy goodness that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Comfort meets convenience in this one-pan marvel perfect for busy weeknights.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over perfectly seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice.

Weeknight dinners demand simple solutions that pack maximum flavor.

Families constantly seek meals that satisfy hunger without complicated preparation.

Packed with protein and creamy textures, this casserole becomes an instant crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

Why Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Is Comfort Food

• Budget-Friendly Family Feast: Whip up an affordable, filling casserole that stretches your grocery budget while satisfying hungry appetites.
• One-Pan Dish: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple skillet-to-oven recipe that combines protein, grains, and cheese in a single dish.
• Kid-Approved Dinner Solution: Craft a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both children and adults with its cheesy, savory flavors and easy-to-eat format.

Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that adds richness to the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that boost the overall flavor profile.
• Paprika, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the dish's taste.

• Beef Broth: A savory liquid that helps cook the rice and adds depth.
• Uncooked Rice: A filling grain that absorbs the delicious flavors.

• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy and tangy addition that provides moisture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, gooey top layer.

• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering during initial baking.

Directions for Making Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• Ground beef
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Sizzle everything together over medium heat until the beef looks perfectly browned and the onions turn soft and glassy.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Uncooked rice
• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until it’s beautifully mixed and smelling incredible.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Pour the whole mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 5: First Bake Session

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 50 minutes.

The rice should become tender and absorb all those amazing flavors.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Pop it back in the oven uncovered for 10 more minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving.

This helps everything settle and makes cutting super easy.

Enjoy your mouthwatering meal straight from the oven!

Pro Tips for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Remove excess grease completely to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure a perfect texture.
• Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor profile.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother melting and richer taste.
• Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme to create unique flavor variations that match your taste preferences.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

How to Save and Reheat Hamburger Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top if desired.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Tasty Sides for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side with mixed greens, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Match with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the hearty beef and cheese flavors.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Enhance the meal with colorful roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to add nutrition and provide a slight charred sweetness.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Add a crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato and cheese sauce, creating a complete and satisfying dinner experience.

Flavor Ideas for Hamburger Rice Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Swap: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetables, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile and cheesy topping.
• Vegetarian Bean Alternative: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version, keeping the original seasonings and cheese layers intact.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking beef broth and seasonings to make the casserole safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Modification: Use plant-based cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals while preserving the casserole's creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. If using brown rice, increase the broth by 1/2 cup and extend the baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure the rice becomes tender.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare everything except the final cheese topping, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time and sprinkle cheese before the final bake.

• Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Ground turkey or chicken work perfectly as alternatives. The cooking method remains the same, ensuring the meat is fully browned before mixing with other ingredients.

• What if I don't have fresh garlic?

Dried minced garlic or garlic powder can be used as substitutes. Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1 teaspoon of dried minced garlic in place of fresh minced garlic.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy hamburger rice casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables across America. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy rice combine in a simple yet satisfying one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Grains and Liquid:

• 1 cup (192 grams) uncooked white rice
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained

Aromatics, Seasonings, and Cheese:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (57 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare a robust skillet for crafting this hearty ground beef and rice ensemble, ensuring all components are prepped and ready for culinary assembly.
2. Heat the skillet over medium flame and introduce ground beef, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until meat transforms to a rich, golden brown and onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Eliminate excess fat by carefully draining the skillet, preserving the flavorful meat and aromatics.
4. Integrate uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their natural juices, and a harmonious blend of paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly intermingle all ingredients to create a cohesive mixture.
5. Transition the aromatic medley into a spacious 9×13-inch baking vessel, smoothing the surface for even cooking. Encase the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote uniform heat distribution.
6. Position the casserole in a preheated oven calibrated to 350°F (175°C). Allow the composition to roast for approximately 50 minutes, or until rice reaches a tender, succulent consistency.
7. Gently remove the foil and lavishly distribute both cheese varieties across the casserole’s surface, creating a molten, golden blanket.
8. Return the uncovered dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing cheese to melt into a bubbling, irresistible topping.
9. Extract the casserole and permit it to rest momentarily, enabling the ingredients to settle and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by using freshly ground beef with higher fat content for richer taste and juicier texture.
• Opt for long-grain white rice to prevent mushy consistency and maintain perfect rice grains during baking.
• Customize protein options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Boost nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables directly into the skillet for extra nutrients and color.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg