Looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that the whole family will love? This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole combines tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and rich, melted cheese into one satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is simple to prepare yet full of comforting flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
This casserole quickly became a staple in our household. The first time I made it, my husband couldn’t stop raving about the cheesy goodness and perfectly seasoned beef. Even my kids, usually picky eaters, devoured it in record time. Now, it’s our go-to meal for family dinners, and it never fails to bring everyone to the table with smiles.
Why This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
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Simple and wholesome ingredients – Made with pantry staples like ground beef, rice, and cheese.
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Cheesy, comforting flavor – Every bite is loaded with melted cheese and savory goodness.
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Family-approved – Perfect for picky eaters and guaranteed to satisfy everyone.
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Easy preparation – Minimal effort with maximum results, ideal for weeknight dinners.
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Versatile – Add vegetables, swap cheeses, or even use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 medium onion, finely chopped (150 g / 0.33 lb)
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2 cloves garlic, minced (6 g / 0.01 lb)
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1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (200 g / 0.44 lb)
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1 ¾ cups beef broth (420 ml / 0.92 lb)
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1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g / 0.66 lb) cream of mushroom soup
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (120 g / 0.26 lb), plus extra for topping
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½ teaspoon salt (3 g / 0.006 lb)
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½ teaspoon black pepper (1 g / 0.002 lb)
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1 teaspoon paprika (2 g / 0.004 lb)
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Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (150 g / 0.33 lb)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
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Cook the beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant.
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Combine rice and broth in the skillet. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly. If using vegetables, fold them in now.
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Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese over the top.
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Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
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Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
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Substitutions: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken if preferred.
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Cheese variations: Try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
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Vegetable additions: Broccoli, bell peppers, or corn can be added for a nutrition boost.
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Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole the night before and bake the next day; just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.