Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Introduction

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food: it’s hearty, full of bold flavors, and comes together in one baking dish for maximum convenience. This recipe is a sure-fire crowd pleaser, perfect for feeding a hungry family or bringing to a potluck. With layers of savory ground beef, melty cheese, and fluffy rice, this casserole is as delicious as it is satisfying—plus, cleanup is a breeze!

Why Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a Weeknight Winner

Few recipes can rival the simplicity and heartiness of this casserole. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and tender rice hits all the right notes for a filling meal. What really makes this dish stand out is how easily it can be customized: toss in your favorite veggies or use different cheeses to keep things interesting.

Building Layers of Flavor

Start by browning ground beef with onion and garlic for a savory foundation. Mix in cooked rice, tangy tomato sauce, and a medley of seasonings for depth of flavor. Top the casserole with sharp cheddar cheese for a golden, bubbly finish. If you want to add extra nutrition and color, stir in peas, corn, or bell peppers before adding the cheese layer.

Tips for Assembling the Perfect Casserole

For the best results, use freshly cooked rice so it soaks up the flavors from the beef and sauce. If you prefer a creamier casserole, stir in a can of condensed cream of mushroom or cheddar soup with the other wet ingredients. Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly, then let the casserole rest for a few minutes so it slices neatly when served.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Serve your casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal. For added freshness, sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley just before serving. This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for leftovers or meal prepping.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings. Each portion is substantial, providing protein, carbs, and a bit of comfort-inducing fat, averaging around 450–500 calories per serving. Exact values will vary depending on the cheese and any extras you add.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole (Recap)

With its harmonious blend of rich cheese, seasoned ground beef, and tender rice, this casserole is a family-friendly classic that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Flexible, flavorful, and filling—what more could you want from a one-dish dinner?

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and streamlined meal planning!

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion softens (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
3. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, milk, and optional cream soup. Mix until fully combined and heated through.
5. Add cooked rice and frozen peas or corn (if using). Stir well to combine.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, broil for an extra 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese slightly.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve warm.

Weekly Meal Planning

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole makes for excellent leftovers, so it’s perfect to include in your weekly meal prep routine! Save and schedule this recipe to easily plan when to serve it and automatically get a consolidated ingredient list for all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery store section
– Avoids duplicate purchases and missed ingredients
– Streamlines weekly meal prep for less stress

Pro tip: Planning more than one casserole or a mix of dishes this week? Schedule your recipes so CookifyAI can show you ingredient overlaps—helping you buy just the right amount while reducing shopping time and food waste!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes