Few things say “comfort food” like a hot, bubbly casserole fresh from the oven. The Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole brings together juicy ground beef, tender rice, savory seasonings, and a melty cheese topping for the kind of meal that makes the whole family gather around the table. Easy to prep, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, this recipe has “weeknight hero” written all over it.
For another family-favorite dish, try our Lasagna Soup.
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Health Benefits of Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Protein and Carbs in Balance
With ground beef as the protein and rice as the carbohydrate, this dish delivers energy and satisfaction. Add vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli, and you’ll bump up the fiber and nutrients.
Ways to Make It a Bit Lighter and Healthier
- Use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa.
- Reduce cheese or use part-skim for fewer calories without sacrificing flavor.
Don’t miss our Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps if you’re craving another cheesy, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need to make a Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Core Ingredients for Hamburger Rice Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
- 1 cup broccoli florets or bell peppers
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese for extra cheesiness
Looking for inspiration? Try our Vegetable Tortilla Roll Ups as a light side dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Cooking the Ground Beef and Aromatics
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Mixing with Rice, Sauce, and Cheese
- In a large bowl, mix the beef mixture with cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half the shredded cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Baking to Golden Perfection
- Spread mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling.
Discover great flavors in our Loaded Chicken and Broccoli Salad for another filling family dish.
Variations of Hamburger Rice Casserole
Mexican-Style with Salsa and Black Beans
Swap cream of mushroom soup for salsa and add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist.
Creamy Mushroom and Broccoli Version
Mix in steamed broccoli and sautéed mushrooms to make the casserole creamy and veggie-forward.
For another creamy comfort food, check out our Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftovers Safely
Store cooled casserole in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Best Ways to Reheat Without Drying Out
- Oven: Reheat at 325°F, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.
- Add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to keep rice moist.
For a hearty make-ahead option, see our Sweet Potato Black Bean Avocado Breakfast Burritos
Best Sides to Serve with Hamburger Rice Casserole
Fresh Salads and Steamed Vegetables
Serve with roasted green beans or a fresh green salad to lighten the casserole’s richness.
Bread and Rolls That Complement Casseroles
Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or soft dinner rolls to soak up every cheesy bite.
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Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine beef mixture with rice, soup, sour cream, half the cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm with a salad or bread.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs About Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
How long can you keep hamburger casserole in the fridge?
You can safely refrigerate it for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
How do you keep rice from getting mushy in a casserole?
Use cooked but firm rice, avoid over-mixing, and don’t add excess liquid before baking.
What to make with ground hamburger?
Ground beef is versatile. Use it in casseroles, tacos, burgers, chili, or dishes like our Lasagna Soup.
What makes a recipe a casserole?
A casserole is typically a baked one-dish meal that combines a protein, a starch (like rice or pasta), a sauce, and a topping, often cheese or breadcrumbs.
