This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. The savory combination of ground beef, creamy soups, and melted cheddar cheese creates a rich and satisfying dish. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the fluffy rice and juicy beef blending beautifully in every bite. This casserole is hearty, flavorful, and ideal for family dinners, busy weeknights, or meal prep.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility and ease. It’s the kind of dish that can be customized to your taste—add extra vegetables like peas or corn, or swap the beef for chicken or turkey. This casserole is also great for meal prep, as it holds up well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day! The creamy, cheesy elements are rich without being overwhelming, and the dish can easily be scaled up to feed a crowd or scaled down for a smaller meal. Whether you serve it on a chilly evening or prepare it for a potluck, this casserole will be a hit every time.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup rice, uncooked
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup beef broth
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1 cup milk
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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2 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
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Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
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Stir in the rice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
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In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, beef broth, and milk. Stir until smooth.
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Add the soup mixture to the skillet with the beef and rice. Stir well to combine.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Kcal: 500 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a truly satisfying and versatile dish. The savory combination of ground beef, creamy soups, and melted cheddar cheese creates a rich and indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need an easy, comforting dinner after a busy day, this casserole has you covered.
The beauty of this recipe is that it can be customized based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. You can easily add some extra vegetables, like peas, corn, or carrots, to boost the nutrition and flavor of the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken, which would give the casserole a slightly leaner but still delicious result.
One of the things that makes this casserole so appealing is its creamy texture. The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups provide the base for a silky, smooth sauce that coats the rice and beef. The cheddar cheese melted on top adds a delicious richness and ties everything together. It’s the kind of dish that’s both hearty and comforting, without feeling too heavy or greasy.
Another great thing about this casserole is its convenience. It’s a one-dish meal that requires very little hands-on time, and it’s perfect for those busy nights when you need something easy but satisfying. It can be prepped ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and then baked when you’re ready to eat, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or for feeding a crowd.
Once baked, the casserole has a beautiful golden-brown top that’s full of crispy cheese, while the inside remains creamy and flavorful. The beef and rice mixture is perfectly balanced, with the spices adding just enough depth and warmth without overpowering the other ingredients. The onions and garlic add a savory bite, and the thyme gives the dish a subtle earthy note that rounds out the flavor profile.
This casserole also holds up well as leftovers. In fact, the flavors often deepen and meld together the next day, making it even more delicious. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake it in the oven, and it will still be just as creamy and comforting as when it was first made. It’s a perfect dish to make on a Sunday for an easy weeknight dinner or to prepare ahead for lunches.
The appeal of this casserole is hard to resist. It’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and has an irresistible cheesy flavor that makes it a family favorite. You can serve it as a standalone dish, or pair it with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables to make it even more well-rounded. The creamy, cheesy texture is balanced perfectly with the savory beef, and the rice provides a hearty base that makes the dish filling and satisfying.
The versatility of this recipe means that it can easily be tailored to suit your preferences. Don’t have cream of mushroom soup? No problem—use cream of celery or cream of potato instead. Want to make it a bit spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced green chilies to the mix. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, to create your own variation of this comforting casserole.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best things about this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is that it makes excellent leftovers. The casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, so it’s perfect for meal prepping ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole as directed, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven and bake it until hot and bubbly.
You can also freeze this casserole for later use. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and then bake as usual. This makes it an excellent option for busy days when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.
Customization Options
While this recipe is delicious as written, it’s easy to modify to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Some ideas for customization include:
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Vegetables: Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn to the casserole to add some color and nutrients. You can stir the veggies into the beef and rice mixture before baking, or sprinkle them on top of the casserole for added texture.
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Cheese: While this recipe calls for cheddar cheese, you can easily swap it out for other types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of different cheeses. Each type of cheese will add a unique flavor and texture to the casserole.
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Meat: If you want to lighten the dish, consider swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. These leaner meats will work just as well and provide a slightly different flavor profile.
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Spices: Feel free to play around with the spices to create a casserole that suits your tastes. A dash of paprika, cumin, or even a bit of chili powder can add extra warmth and depth to the dish. You could also add a bit of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh, herbaceous note.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with savory flavors that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to customize and can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy families. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as leftovers, this casserole is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.