Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the kind of hearty dinner families crave all year long with its creamy beef mixture and golden cheesy top. Whether you need fast comfort food after work or a dish that wins at potlucks this simple casserole comes together with basic ingredients and little prep. I reach for this recipe when I want warm nostalgia with minimal effort and max flavor payoff.

I first made this on a busy school night when I was out of ideas and now it is one of my most requested casseroles for family gatherings. Every time I bake it the kitchen just smells like home.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Ground beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein be sure to choose eighty percent lean for best texture
• Onion: Gives natural sweetness and depth go for yellow onions that feel heavy for their size
• Garlic: Brightens the base use fresh cloves for more punch
• Long grain rice: Adds substance and soaks up all the flavors try not to use instant to avoid mushiness
• Beef broth: Brings savory depth and keeps everything moist low sodium lets you control the salt
• Cream of mushroom soup: Makes everything creamy check for gluten free if needed
• Cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey topping buy blocks and shred by hand for the best melt
• Salt: Lifts all the flavors use kosher for even seasoning
• Black pepper: Balances richness and adds gentle warmth grind fresh for best taste
• Paprika: Gives mild smoky color sweet paprika works best here
• Fresh parsley: On top for brightness and a beautiful finish pick bunches that are crisp and deeply green

How to Make It

Preheat and Prepare Dish:

Heat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish well to prevent sticking

Brown the Beef and Aromatics:

In a large skillet over medium heat cook the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic breaking up the meat until it loses all pink and onions turn soft and translucent about six to eight minutes Drain any excess fat

Combine and Season:

Add the uncooked long grain rice directly into the skillet followed by the beef broth and the can of cream of mushroom soup Mix everything until combined then sprinkle in salt black pepper and paprika Stir well Bring the skillet mixture to a boil then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for five minutes This brief simmer helps the rice start absorbing flavor

Transfer and Bake:

Pour or spoon the entire beef and rice mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish Level the top cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for twenty five minutes This ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid

Top with Cheese and Finish Baking:

Carefully remove the foil using oven mitts Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese in a generous even layer over the partially baked casserole Return to oven uncovered and bake another ten to fifteen minutes until the cheese is golden bubbly and melted through

Garnish and Serve:

Remove casserole from oven and scatter freshly chopped parsley all across the top for color and a bit of freshness Let it cool five minutes before serving so slicing is clean

My favorite part is the bubbly crust of sharp cheddar that forms on top I always sneak an extra corner piece because that golden cheese takes me right back to Sunday dinners around a crowded table Everyone reached for that end piece before it disappeared

Flavor Boosters

Gluten free if you use the proper mushroom soup brand

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness and steams broccoli or green beans make this a complete meal Leftovers tuck nicely into tortillas as a hearty burrito filling which the kids love For a fun crunch top servings with fried onions or crushed crackers right before eating

Creative Twists

Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter twist and try using brown rice for a bit more fiber and a heartier bite Vegetarians can trade beef for a plant-based meat crumble or double up on mushrooms and bell peppers Cheddar is classic but Monterrey Jack or Colby cheese will both melt well and taste amazing

If you want a beautiful melted cheese top wait to add the cheese until the last stage of baking and never overbake

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ How to prevent rice from being undercooked?

Simmer the mixture briefly before baking, and be sure to cover while baking to keep moisture in, ensuring tender rice.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may require additional broth. Adjust baking time as needed.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.

→ Is this casserole gluten free?

If using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, the whole dish can be gluten free. Always check labels.

→ Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Feel free to add bell peppers, peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

→ What cheese works best for this?

Cheddar melts well and adds flavor, but Monterey Jack or Colby can also be used for variety.