Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is like a warm hug on a plate, combining the savory goodness of ground beef, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice in one delightful dish. Imagine sitting down to a bowl filled with gooey cheese melting into perfectly cooked rice, while the aroma tickles your nose and makes your mouth water. For more inspiration, check out this more main dish recipes recipe.
This casserole isn’t just about taste; it’s about nostalgia too. It reminds me of cozy family gatherings where laughter floated through the air as we dug into this cheesy delight after a long day. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or want to impress friends, this dish is everything you need for a heartwarming meal that brings everyone together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making it suitable for weeknight dinners
- The flavor profile is rich and comforting, sure to please even the pickiest eaters
- Its golden cheesy topping offers visual appeal that draws everyone to the table
- This dish is versatile enough for potlucks, family meals, or meal prep for busy weeks ahead
Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for the best flavor without excess grease.
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Long-Grain White Rice: This type of rice absorbs flavors well and cooks evenly.
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Cheddar Cheese: Choose sharp cheddar for an extra kick of flavor; shredded works best for melting.
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Onion: A chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
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Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the savory profile beautifully.
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Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for those with green chilies for a mild heat that balances the flavors.
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Beef Broth: This will infuse your rice with rich flavor as it cooks.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle helps cook the onions and beef without sticking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grab a baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips for casseroles recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, toss in your chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Then add in your ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula.
Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes
Stir in garlic powder along with canned diced tomatoes (don’t forget those green chilies!). Let everything simmer together for about five minutes so all those flavors can mingle beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In your prepared baking dish, mix the cooked beef mixture with uncooked rice and pour in beef broth. Give it all a good stir to combine.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Because let’s be honest—who ever said there’s such a thing as too much cheese?
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Cover your casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and bake for an additional ten minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Transfer to plates and serve hot. Drizzle with more cheese if you dare!
And there you have it—the ultimate comfort food experience! Enjoy every gooey bite of this delightful Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole that promises both laughter and satisfaction at your dinner table.
You Must Know
- Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that combines rich flavors with hearty ingredients
- It’s perfect for family dinners and potlucks, making it an ideal recipe for any occasion
- Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that simplifies cleanup, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet, then add onions and garlic for flavor. While that cooks, prepare your rice according to package instructions. Combine everything in a baking dish with cheese and bake until bubbly for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist. You can also experiment with different cheeses or throw in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach to customize your casserole.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it stays cheesy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always drain excess grease after browning the meat to avoid a greasy casserole
- Use long-grain rice for better texture and cooking consistency
- Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor profile
Sometimes I whip this up when friends come over, and their compliments make me feel like a culinary genius—even if I barely broke a sweat!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
To make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, you will need ground beef, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheese, and onions. Optional ingredients include bell peppers and garlic for extra flavor. This combination creates a hearty dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Be sure to choose your favorite cheese to enhance the cheesy goodness in this casserole!
How long does it take to cook Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole typically takes about 45 minutes to cook. After preparing the ingredients, mix them in a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. Allowing the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set properly. This timing ensures that the rice cooks thoroughly while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole ahead of time! Simply assemble all the ingredients in your baking dish and cover it with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, remove it from the fridge and bake as instructed. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or gatherings.
What can I serve with Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also consider serving it with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any sauce. The rich flavors of this casserole complement lighter side dishes nicely, making your meal both filling and enjoyable.
Conclusion for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole :
In summary, Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines ground beef, rice, and cheese into a hearty meal. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. By following the instructions carefully, you can ensure a delightful dining experience that everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting with additional ingredients to personalize your casserole!
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together savory ground beef, creamy sharp cheddar cheese, and fluffy long-grain rice in one delicious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole features a golden cheesy topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy the rich flavors and nostalgic warmth of this delightful dish that truly makes mealtime special.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in garlic powder and diced tomatoes; let simmer for about five minutes.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked beef mixture with uncooked rice and pour in beef broth; stir well.
- Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: To enhance flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture or swapping ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option. Feel free to mix in vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.