Looking for a hearty, delicious meal that’s quick and easy to prepare? This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the perfect solution! With simple ingredients that are packed with flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something to bring to a potluck, this casserole has got you covered. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about making this cheesy, comforting classic from scratch.
What is Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a delicious one-pan dish made with ground beef, rice, vegetables, and lots of cheese. It’s baked to perfection in a casserole dish and is one of those meals that combine the creamy, savory flavor of cheese with the satisfying heartiness of rice and beef. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or serving up as leftovers the next day. The layers of flavor in this casserole will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Ingredients List for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:
- Ground beef – 1 lb of lean ground beef, cooked and drained.
- Rice – 1 cup of long-grain white rice (uncooked).
- Onion – 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- Bell peppers – 1 large bell pepper, diced (any color works, but red adds a nice sweetness).
- Garlic – 2-3 cloves, minced.
- Tomato sauce – 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce or diced tomatoes.
- Beef broth – 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth.
- Cheddar cheese – 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (you can also use a cheese blend).
- Sour cream – ½ cup sour cream (optional but adds creaminess).
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon of smoked or sweet paprika.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon for sautéing the vegetables.
- Butter – 2 tablespoons for greasing the casserole dish.
- Parsley – Fresh parsley for garnish (optional).
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is highly adaptable, so don’t worry if you’re missing a couple of ingredients or want to switch things up. Here are some substitution and variation ideas to customize your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:
- Meat Alternatives: If you don’t have ground beef on hand, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables! Diced carrots, peas, or zucchini can add extra nutrition and flavor. You could also throw in some mushrooms for a hearty, earthy touch.
- Rice: While long-grain white rice works best for this casserole, you can substitute it with brown rice, wild rice, or even cauliflower rice if you want a lower-carb version. Just keep in mind that different types of rice may require different cooking times and amounts of liquid.
- Cheese: Don’t be afraid to experiment with cheese varieties! While cheddar is the classic choice, you can try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a mix of your favorites. You can also use a vegan cheese substitute if you're dairy-free.
- Spices: Add a bit of heat by including chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes. Or swap out the smoked paprika for cumin or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients and options laid out, let’s get started with the cooking process. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a foolproof Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once done, drain off any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add your chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté them until they’re softened and fragrant, about 5-6 minutes. If you’re using extra veggies like carrots or mushrooms, add them at this stage.
- Prepare the rice: While the vegetables are cooking, rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Add the rice to the skillet with the vegetables and stir everything together. Let the rice toast slightly, about 2 minutes, for extra flavor.
- Add the liquids and seasoning: Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes) into the skillet. Stir in the paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Assemble the casserole: Once the rice is cooked and everything is well mixed, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with butter. Pour in the beef and rice mixture and spread it out evenly.
- Add the cheese and sour cream: Stir in the sour cream (if using) to add a creamy texture. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Cook Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
To recap:
- Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
- Add rice to the skillet and toast for flavor.
- Simmer with beef broth and tomato sauce until rice is tender.
- Assemble casserole by layering the rice mixture in a greased dish.
- Top with cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:
- Not draining the ground beef: Excess grease from the beef can make the casserole too oily, so make sure to drain it well.
- Overcooking the rice: If the rice absorbs too much liquid or cooks for too long, it can turn mushy. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat once it’s just tender.
- Skipping the cheese: Cheese is one of the key components of this casserole. Don’t skimp on it if you want that gooey, comforting texture!
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, consider adding some sides to round out the meal. A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread all pair wonderfully with this dish.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Serve this casserole straight from the oven while it’s warm and bubbly.
- Portion it out into individual servings using a spatula, making sure each plate gets a generous helping of cheesy goodness.
- Sprinkle a little extra parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Serve in colorful or decorative casserole dishes for a pop of color.
- Garnish each plate with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese or diced green onions.
- If serving for a crowd, consider arranging toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, or jalapenos on the side for guests to customize their servings.
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook it!
- Leftovers: This casserole makes fantastic leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-cooked rice? Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice to save time. Just reduce the cooking liquid accordingly and mix everything together before baking.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes! Substitute the cheese with your favorite dairy-free alternative, and replace the sour cream with a plant-based version or leave it out.
5. What side dishes pair well with this casserole? A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or even cornbread are great accompaniments to this cheesy, hearty casserole.
Conclusion
There you have it! A comforting and easy-to-make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish is versatile, filling, and sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you stick with the classic ingredients or customize it with your favorite variations, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your household. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and enjoy the savory goodness of this cheesy casserole!
PrintCheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
This cheesy hamburger rice casserole recipe is a quick and delicious meal made with savory ground beef, tender rice, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a one-pan dish that satisfies the whole family. Serve this hearty comfort food with fresh veggies or a side salad for a complete dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Rice
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cheddar cheese
- Beef broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook ground beef in a skillet, add onions and garlic, and sauté until soft.
- Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
- Add broth and bring to a simmer.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicy twist, add chopped jalapeños or chili powder. You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
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