This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender ground beef, soft rice, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. The combination of flavors is irresistible, making it the perfect dish for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep for the week.
It’s so easy to make and incredibly filling! With minimal ingredients and a simple method, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal in no time. Plus, this casserole is highly customizable—you can add your favorite vegetables or swap the cheese for a different type to suit your tastes. This is the kind of dish everyone will love!
Full recipes:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 cup white rice
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup diced onions
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1 cup beef broth
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
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Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Add the rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef mixture.
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Pour in the beef broth and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until well combined.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with foil.
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Bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is one of those classic recipes that has stood the test of time. It’s comforting, hearty, and simple to make, making it the perfect choice for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone craving a deliciously filling dish. This recipe combines tender ground beef, soft rice, savory seasonings, and gooey melted cheddar cheese, all baked together into a single, satisfying casserole. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a meal for yourself, this casserole checks all the boxes for a comforting and delicious meal.
The History of Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Like many traditional casseroles, the Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole has humble beginnings. It likely evolved as a way to make the most out of inexpensive pantry staples. Ground beef, rice, and cheese have long been affordable ingredients that people can turn to when they need a budget-friendly meal. The addition of cream of mushroom soup or broth helps create a savory, creamy texture, while the cheese ties everything together in a warm, gooey bite.
This dish is part of the broader category of casseroles that became popular in American home cooking during the mid-20th century. Casseroles were a convenient way to feed large families, as they could be prepared in advance and made in one pot, saving both time and effort. As tastes evolved, the basic formula for casseroles remained popular, with countless variations of Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole popping up over the years, each with slight twists on the ingredients or seasonings.
Why Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the Best Choice for Family Meals
Easy to Prepare and Perfect for Busy Schedules
One of the main reasons why Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is so beloved is its simplicity. With minimal prep work and only a few ingredients, this dish is incredibly quick to make. You can throw everything together in one pan, bake it, and have a delicious, filling meal in under an hour. This makes it a great option for families with busy schedules who need a meal that doesn’t require hours of preparation or standing over a stove.
Additionally, casseroles like this one are often great for meal prepping. You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for several days or freeze it for later. This gives you the convenience of having a meal ready to go whenever you need it.
Budget-Friendly Meal
In today’s economy, stretching your food dollars as far as possible is a priority for many households. This casserole is not only affordable, but it also uses ingredients that are often already stocked in most kitchens. Ground beef, rice, and cheese are staples in many households, and adding items like canned cream of mushroom soup or broth adds minimal cost to the recipe. This makes it an ideal meal for anyone looking to prepare something tasty without breaking the bank.
Additionally, it’s highly customizable based on what you already have on hand. If you have leftover rice or ground beef, this recipe is an excellent way to use up those ingredients before they go to waste. You can also swap out the cheese or seasonings to suit your taste preferences, giving you endless possibilities while keeping the costs down.
Perfect Comfort Food for All Ages
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the definition of comfort food. The creamy texture, cheesy topping, and hearty filling make it an irresistible meal that both kids and adults will love. The combination of beef, rice, and cheese is a flavor profile that appeals to almost everyone. It’s filling and satisfying, making it the perfect meal for any occasion—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even a potluck party.
Kids, in particular, will find the cheesy nature of this casserole extremely appealing. The creamy sauce and melted cheese create a texture that’s easy to eat and comforting, making it perfect for even the pickiest eaters. If you’re looking to get your children to eat more protein or vegetables, this casserole offers a great way to sneak those ingredients into a meal without them even noticing.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
While Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is primarily known for its comfort factor, it’s also surprisingly nutritious, especially when made with lean ground beef and wholesome ingredients.
Protein-Rich Meal
Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth, as well as overall body function. Protein helps keep you fuller for longer, making this casserole a great option for anyone looking to maintain their energy levels throughout the day. You can also opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce the fat content of the dish while still maintaining its protein-rich benefits.
Carbohydrates for Energy
The rice in this casserole provides a good source of carbohydrates, which are the body’s primary source of energy. Whether you’re preparing for a busy workday, taking care of kids, or running errands, carbohydrates help fuel your body throughout the day. Brown rice can be used as a healthier alternative to white rice, providing additional fiber and nutrients.
Dairy for Calcium
Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. It also contains essential vitamins like vitamin A and B12. While it’s always important to enjoy cheese in moderation due to its calorie and fat content, it can still contribute to a balanced diet when included in meals like this casserole.
Customizing Your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
One of the best things about this casserole is how versatile it is. The recipe itself is a blank canvas that can easily be modified to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ways you can customize your casserole:
Vegetarian Version
If you’re looking to make this casserole vegetarian, you can swap out the ground beef for plant-based protein alternatives. There are many meat substitutes on the market today, such as soy crumbles or lentils, which can work well in this dish while keeping the texture and flavor similar to the original.
Add Veggies for Extra Nutrition
While the recipe as written is delicious, you can add a variety of vegetables to the casserole to increase its nutritional value. Try adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for an extra dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The vegetables will blend seamlessly into the casserole, adding color and nutrients without altering the overall flavor profile too much.
Try Different Cheeses
Although cheddar cheese is the go-to cheese for this casserole, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of different cheeses can add a unique twist to the dish. Using a sharp cheese can provide an extra kick of flavor, while using a milder cheese can create a more subtle and creamy texture.
Conclusion
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and practical dish that checks all the boxes for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone who loves hearty comfort food. Its simplicity, budget-friendliness, and versatility make it a go-to option for feeding a crowd or preparing a meal in advance. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or want to get creative with substitutions, this casserole can easily adapt to suit your needs. From its rich flavor profile to its nutritious ingredients, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection for years to come.
If you’re looking for a dish that combines convenience, taste, and affordability, Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is definitely worth trying. You can trust that it will not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide a hearty and nutritious meal for the whole family to enjoy.