Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh Same. This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is basically comfort food in one pan and zero drama. It fills bowls, feeds hungry people, and makes your kitchen smell like you actually know what you are doing.

If you want a similar vibe with a tiny twist check out this playful version of a cheesy ground beef and rice casserole for inspo and bragging rights.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This dish is stupid easy and ridiculously satisfying. You brown some beef toss in rice and soup and the oven does the heavy lifting. Anyone can pull this off even if your culinary skill level is mostly opening takeout boxes.

It feeds a crowd on a budget and reheats like a champ. Want to make your weeknight more exciting without trying too hard Well this is it. FYI the cheese on top is non negotiable.

Also if you love classic comfort food check out a slightly different take on this idea at comfort food classic for more cozy dinner inspo.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef yes the usual red goodness
• 1 onion chopped because tears mean flavor
• 1 garlic clove minced for tiny bursts of awesome
• 1 cup long grain rice uncooked plain and reliable
• 2 cups beef broth salty and savory liquid gold
• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup classic pantry hero
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded melty perfection
• 1/2 teaspoon salt keep it simple
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper just a little kick
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoky color and mild warmth
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped for garnish and smug presentation

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F 175°C. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Get the oven hot so it does not sulk later.

2. In a large skillet cook the ground beef onion and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat. No greasy casserole please.

3. Stir in the uncooked rice beef broth and mushroom soup. Season with salt pepper and paprika. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let the rice start waking up.

4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Keep it covered so the rice cooks through evenly.

5. Remove the foil sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch for that golden finish.

6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Let it sit for a few minutes so it sets and does not ooze everywhere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven rookie move. It ruins timing and mood.
• Skipping the drain step leads to a greasy casserole nobody wants to eat. Drain it and move on.
• Walking away when the cheese is on top the last 10 minutes. Cheese goes from perfect to charcoal fast if you are not paying attention.
• Using instant rice here will throw off cooking time and texture. Stick with the long grain uncooked rice called for.
• Over seasoning before the bake then wondering why it tastes salty after it reduces in the oven. Season carefully.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No ground beef Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. It still works great and the cheese hides a lot of sins.
• Hate mushrooms Use cream of chicken soup instead. Same creamy vibe no mushroom flavor.
• Want more veg Toss in a cup of frozen peas carrots or a chopped bell pepper when the rice goes in. It adds color and makes you feel healthy.
• Dairy free Use a dairy free cheese and a compatible soup alternative. Texture will change but you still get cozy vibes.
• Short on time Swap the raw rice for precooked rice and bake only long enough to meld flavors about 15 minutes. I mean if you really need to cheat this is the cheat.

If you want another riff on this favorite try the cheesy hamburger casserole for a slightly different spin and extra ideas.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Q What if I only have a big onion or a small one Should I adjust Yes use one medium onion roughly a cup chopped If it is huge chop less

Q Can I double this recipe for a potluck Absolutely Just use a larger dish or two pans and adjust bake time a little longer if the dish is deeper

Q Will the rice be undercooked if I do not simmer on the stovetop first No not necessarily but that short simmer helps get the rice cooking evenly So try not to skip it

Q Can I make this ahead and refrigerate Yes assemble it and store covered overnight Then bake an extra 5 to 10 minutes to make up for the chill

Q Is it freezer friendly Yes freeze in a sealed container and thaw overnight before reheating Bake until piping hot in the center

Q Can I use pre shredded cheese from the bag Sure just know that pre shredded cheese sometimes has anti caking stuff so it may not melt as luxuriously IMO fresh shredded is nicer but no judgement if you use the bag

Q What sides go with this casserole Salad steamed veggies or crusty bread all play nicely pick whatever is easiest for you

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole gives comfort flavor and convenience all in one pan. It makes weeknights easier and leftovers that make you happy the next day. Remember to drain the beef cover while baking and let it rest a few minutes before serving Those small moves make big differences.

Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills You have earned it

Conclusion

If you want an alternate classic take on this idea check out this trusted version called Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for more details tips and nostalgic vibes

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Beef

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Description

A comforting and easy one-pan dish combining ground beef, rice, and cheese that is perfect for feeding a crowd.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and mushroom soup. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Make sure to drain the beef properly to avoid a greasy casserole. Adjust seasoning carefully before baking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef, cheesy casserole