I’m Grace, the cook, the writer, and the heart behind Homely Tasty. This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole takes me right back to my nonna’s kitchen, a place filled with the smell of simmering sauce and the sound of spoons scraping casserole dishes. She never followed strict recipes, only instincts and love. When I make this comforting Hamburger Rice Casserole today, I feel her presence in every spoonful; warm, familiar, and satisfying. If you’re craving a hearty dinner that brings the whole family together, this dish is pure weeknight magic.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hamburger Casserole is pure comfort in a pan; cheesy, creamy, and packed with rich ground beef flavor. The best part? It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet satisfying enough for Sunday dinners. Every bite combines savory beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese for a nostalgic dish you’ll want to make again and again.
If you enjoy cozy meals like my Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole will become a staple in your rotation. It’s a one-dish wonder that requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum comfort.
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Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
A creamy, comforting casserole made with ground beef, rice, and melted cheddar cheese.
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cups cooked rice
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1½ cups shredded cheddar
½ cup chopped onion
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Brown beef and onion; drain.
3. Stir in rice, soup, and seasonings.
4. Spread into baking dish.
5. Top with cheese and bake 25 minutes.
6. Cool and serve warm.
Notes
Add veggies like peas or bell peppers for variety. Perfect for freezing and reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, cheesy masterpiece:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (lean preferred) |
| Cooked rice | 2 cups |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 ½ cups |
| Onion, chopped | ½ cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Optional toppings | Green onions, parsley, or extra cheese |
How to Make this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Mix Everything Together: Stir in the cooked rice, soup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Layer and Bake: Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve Warm: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side like Sweet Potato Black Bean Casserole for a wholesome dinner.
Tips and Variations
- Add Vegetables: Toss in frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.
- Change the Protein: Try ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Extra Creaminess: Stir in a splash of sour cream or milk for an even smoother texture.
If you love experimenting with creamy bakes, check out my French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, it’s packed with similar cozy flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but cook it fully before adding. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and heartier texture.
2. Can I make this Hamburger Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
4. What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or a mix of mozzarella and Colby also taste great.
If you’re into easy freezer-friendly dinners, my Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is another delicious option.
Final Serving
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is everything a cozy dinner should be; creamy, hearty, and ready in no time. It’s a meal that reminds me of home and the care my nonna put into every dish. Whether you’re feeding a big family or just craving something comforting, this casserole delivers warmth in every bite.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
