If there’s one dish that’s synonymous with comfort food, it’s the Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. It hits all the right notes with its savory ground beef, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked rice, making it an ideal meal for a cozy night in or a family gathering. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delightful casserole with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole – Step By Step
Step 1:
Start by preparing the ground beef. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, cooking until translucent, which takes about 4 minutes. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spatula. Cook until browned, making sure there’s no pink left, about 7–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2:
With the beef cooked, it’s time to flavor it. Stir in the Worcester sauce, adding a depth of umami flavor that enhances the beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3:
Now, it’s time to bring the casserole together. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion, uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Step 4:
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly for a uniform bake. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully, adding a golden layer on top of your casserole.
Step 5:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during the first part of baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes. Serve hot, directly from the baking dish to plates to enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or a splash of soy sauce. You can also swap out the onion for bell peppers or add in some mushrooms for a twist. Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded can enhance the creamy texture of the cheese topping.
Protein-Packed Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Delight
For those looking to up their protein intake, this version boosts the nutritional profile while maintaining all the comforting flavors you love. Swap white rice for quinoa, which offers more protein and all nine essential amino acids. You can also increase the beef to 1.5 lbs and add a can of drained black beans for an additional protein punch.
Low-Carb Cheesy Hamburger Casserole Makeover
If you are counting carbs, there are simple swaps that can transform this recipe into a low-carb delight. Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to cut down on carbohydrates, and replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade low-carb dairy-based sauce. The end result is just as satisfying without all those extra carbs.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
- Can I substitute the ground beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as healthier alternatives without sacrificing flavor.
- Is there an alternative to cream of mushroom soup? Yes, cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce works great too!
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Can I prep this dish in advance? Absolutely, assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add an additional 5–10 minutes at the cooking time.
- What’s the best cheese for topping? Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack add a flavorful twist.
The Tastiest Casserole Wrap-Up: Share Your Thoughts!
With these simple steps and variations, you’re all set to make the most delicious Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore exciting new twists, this dish is sure to satisfy. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Feel free to share your experience in the comments or tag your creation on social media. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- uncooked rice
- beef broth
- shredded cheddar cheese
- cream of mushroom soup
- onion
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
- olive oil
Instructions
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Then, add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper into the cooked beef.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine beef, onion, rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.