There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot, bubbling dish of cheesy hamburger rice casserole coming straight out of the oven. This classic comfort food combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, melty cheddar cheese, and a savory blend of seasonings all baked to perfection. It’s warm, satisfying, and deliciously hearty — perfect for a cozy family dinner or a weeknight meal when you want something quick and easy.
This casserole has all the makings of a crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful, with simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, feeding a big group, or just looking for easy dinner ideas, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s wonderfully customizable — toss in some veggies or swap the meat for turkey if you like. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1½ cups beef broth or water
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by cooking the rice until it’s just tender. You can use a rice cooker or stovetop method. If you’re in a rush, instant rice works too — just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the flavors soak into the meat. This step is key to building that rich, savory base.
Step 4: Combine with Soups and Broth
To the skillet, add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and beef broth or water. Mix everything until smooth and well blended.
Step 5: Add the Rice and Half the Cheese
Fold in the cooked rice and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the mixture is creamy and evenly combined.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 7: Top with Remaining Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This creates that irresistible golden, cheesy crust.
Step 8: Bake Until Bubbling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Calcium: 180mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to soften. Make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing into the casserole.
2. Is it okay to substitute ground turkey for beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken can be used for a lighter version with just as much flavor.
3. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Diced bell peppers, peas, corn, or mushrooms blend well. Sauté them with the beef for best texture.
4. What cheese works best besides cheddar?
Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend are all great options. Choose melty cheeses for best results.
5. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble everything and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
6. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover it with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, or add a little extra broth if your oven runs hot.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, because canned soups often contain gluten. Use gluten-free soup alternatives to adapt it safely.
8. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or until the rice is tender.
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
Looking for an easy dinner idea that’s cheesy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying? This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is just what your weeknight meals have been missing! With layers of juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, rich creamy soups, and bubbling cheddar cheese, it delivers bold flavors in every comforting bite. This recipe is perfect for busy families needing a quick meal, or anyone craving classic comfort food. It’s ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or anytime you need a cozy, cheesy fix. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast-for-dinner, weeknight dinner ideas, or easy recipe inspiration — this dish covers it all.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1½ cups beef broth or water
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rice until just tender. Set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and broth until smooth.
- Add in cooked rice and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Top evenly with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.