If you’re like me and love a one-dish wonder that brings comfort food vibes with zero fuss, then this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe is totally your new go-to. I promise, it’s hearty, cheesy, and just downright satisfying — perfect for those nights when you want dinner done quickly but crave something cozy and fill-you-up good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything on hand already, and it all comes together quickly.
- Comfort Food Classic: This casserole hits all the cozy notes with gooey cheese and savory beef.
- One-Pan Magic: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less scrubbing.
- Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy when I make this, and I bet yours will too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe works together to create that perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and filling. When shopping, choose quality ground beef for the best flavor, and don’t skip the fresh shredded cheese – it makes a huge difference.
- Ground beef: I like using 80/20 for a good mix of flavor and juiciness without too much grease.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This gives the casserole that creamy, comforting base; if you prefer, you can swap for cream of chicken soup for a different twist.
- Diced tomatoes with juice: Adds a fresh tang and moisture to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Long grain white rice: Using uncooked rice is crucial here — it simmers right in and soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded—trust me on this one!
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to bring all the flavors together just right.
Variations
I love how versatile this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe is — it’s a great starting point to make it your own. Whether you want to sneak in veggies or swap cheeses, it’s easy to customize without losing that classic comforting feel.
- Add Veggies: I sometimes toss in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms while browning the beef for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use Different Cheese: Mixing mozzarella with sharp cheddar amps up the cheesiness and adds a nice tang.
- Swap the Soup: For a lighter version, I’ve used cream of celery soup or even a homemade sauce to control the salt.
- Make it Spicy: A pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños gives it a fun little kick my family enjoys.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build Flavors
Start by crumbling the ground beef into a skillet over medium-high heat. I like to keep stirring to break it up evenly — this helps it cook faster and more uniformly. Once browned, drain off the grease carefully; this keeps it from getting too greasy but leaves enough fat for flavor. Then, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, and the uncooked rice. This combo is magic — the rice cooks right in the mix, soaking up all those delicious flavors!
Step 2: Simmer Until the Rice is Tender
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. I usually set a timer for about 15 minutes but keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. What you want is tender, fluffy rice without it sticking or burning on the bottom. If it looks too dry before the rice is done, add a splash of water or broth – better safe than scorched casserole!
Step 3: Broil with Cheese to Finish
Once the rice is perfect, transfer everything to a casserole dish. Now comes the best part: top it with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella. Pop it under the oven broiler just long enough to melt the cheese until bubbly and lightly browned. Keep a close watch here — broilers work fast and you want melty cheese with a toasty top, not burnt. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: I always shred my mozzarella from a block — it melts smoother and browns better than pre-shredded.
- Don’t Rush the Rice: Even though it’s tempting to crank up the heat, low and slow simmering prevents mushy rice and sticking.
- Watch the Broiler Closely: The cheese goes from golden to burnt quickly, so keep the oven door cracked and eyes glued.
- Drain Excess Grease: Otherwise, the casserole can get greasy and heavy, which is not the vibe you want here.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a bit of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top once it’s out of the oven — it adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through all that cheesy goodness beautifully. You can also try a few dashes of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
For sides, a crisp green salad or steamed veggies work great to balance out the richness. My favorite pairing is a simple roasted broccoli or green beans tossed with lemon and garlic — it brightens the whole meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this casserole in individual ramekins — they’re super cute and perfect for portion control. Another fun idea is topping each serving with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess and color contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for about 3-4 days. When you reheat, the casserole might thicken up — just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers before broiling the cheese topping. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cheese, and broil fresh for best results.
Reheating
For reheating, I recommend warming it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to keep that cozy texture. A quick broil on top after reheating re-melts the cheese nicely.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. If substituting, pre-cook the brown rice partially or adjust simmer time to ensure it becomes tender without drying out the casserole.
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Is there a way to make this casserole lower in calories?
Yes! Using lean ground beef or ground turkey, swapping cream of mushroom soup for a low-fat or homemade version, and reducing cheese slightly can lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the beef mixture and rice ahead, store it in the fridge, then add cheese and broil just before serving for fresh, melty topping.
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What type of cheese works best in this casserole?
Mozzarella is great for meltiness, but mixing in cheddar or Monterey Jack adds depth and sharpness. Freshly shredded cheese always gives the best melt and texture.
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Can I use canned diced tomatoes without the juice?
I recommend keeping the juice—it helps the rice cook and keeps everything moist. If you prefer no juice, add some broth or water to compensate for moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe has become a true staple in my kitchen—not just because it’s quick and easy, but because it feels like a warm hug after a long day. I love how forgiving it is and how you can tailor it with what you have on hand. So, next time you want comfort without complication, give this recipe a try — your taste buds and your busy schedule will thank you!
Print
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole combines ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, and tender rice into a comforting one-pan meal topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a hearty and easy-to-make casserole perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- ½ cup long grain white rice
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Crumble the ground beef into a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until the beef is evenly browned. Drain off any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Add soup, tomatoes, and rice: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, canned diced tomatoes with juice, and uncooked long grain white rice into the skillet mixture.
- Simmer until rice cooks: Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and fully cooked, about 15 minutes.
- Preheat broiler: While the rice is cooking, preheat your oven’s broiler to prepare for melting the cheese topping.
- Transfer and top with cheese: Once the rice has finished cooking, transfer the entire mixture from the skillet into a casserole dish. Evenly cover the top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Broil the casserole: Place the casserole dish under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot and enjoy this delicious cheesy hamburger rice casserole.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use a reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup and low-fat cheese.
- You can substitute diced tomatoes with diced green chilies for a spicy twist.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent rice from sticking to the skillet bottom.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time up to the broiling step and refrigerated until ready to finish.
- Use fresh ground beef for best flavor, but ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 849mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 83mg
