There’s something deeply comforting about a casserole that bubbles away in the oven while the kitchen fills with the smell of melted cheese and hearty beef. This cheesy hamburger rice casserole is the kind of dish you make when you want dinner to feel like a warm hug. It’s simple, filling, and doesn’t ask for any complicated steps, which means you can actually enjoy the process without juggling ten pots at once. I’ve been making variations of this for years. Sometimes I swap in brown rice when I’m feeling like a grown-up, other times I toss in extra veggies to make it feel a bit healthier, but the cheesy, beefy goodness always stays. It’s the sort of recipe that works whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day. If you’re looking for quick ground beef recipes that deliver big on flavor, you’ll love this one. It’s one of those ground beef recipes you’ll keep in your back pocket for busy nights. Whether you’re into an easy ground beef recipe that’s comforting, a ground beef recipe healthy enough for weekday dinners, or something that could easily be adapted into ground beef soup recipes or even keto ground beef recipes, this one’s flexible enough to make everyone happy.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
4) How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
5) Tips for Making Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
6) Making Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This casserole is hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor from seasoned ground beef and tender rice.
Perfect for weeknight dinners when time and energy are limited.
Flexible enough to add vegetables, swap cheeses, or make it lower carb.
Great make-ahead and leftover-friendly recipe.

2) Easy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

I like recipes that don’t demand perfection. This cheesy hamburger rice casserole is exactly that. If your rice cooks a little longer or your cheese melts unevenly, no one will notice. The combination of ground beef, rice, and creamy sauce does all the heavy lifting for flavor.

On nights when I need a quick ground beef recipe that’s not just another taco or spaghetti, this is my go-to. It’s cozy and reliable, with a texture that’s both soft and slightly crisp at the edges where the cheese browns. You can keep it classic or toss in mushrooms, peppers, or even spinach without changing the heart of the dish.

From family dinners to potlucks, this casserole has been a steady favorite in my kitchen. I found that keeping the seasoning simple lets the ingredients shine, but the cheese—oh, the cheese—is what makes it unforgettable.

3) Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef for less grease, but any type works. It brings the hearty base flavor that anchors the dish.

White Rice: Tender and fluffy, it soaks up the flavors from the beef and sauce. I usually go with long grain, but jasmine rice adds a nice aroma.

Onion: Diced small so it blends into the casserole. It adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.

Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives the casserole depth without overpowering it.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: Brings creaminess and ties the ingredients together. Homemade or canned both work.

Diced Tomatoes: Drained to avoid extra liquid, they add brightness and a touch of acidity.

Beef Broth: Infuses the rice and beef with extra flavor during baking.

Cheddar Cheese: Shredded for melting evenly across the casserole’s surface. The sharper the cheddar, the richer the flavor.

Olive Oil: For sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a light richness.

Salt and Pepper: The basic seasoning that ties everything together.

4) How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly oil a baking dish. This keeps the casserole from sticking.

Step 2. Cook the rice following the package directions. Set it aside once done.

Step 3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly.

Step 4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5. Mix in the cream of mushroom soup, drained diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 6. Stir the cooked rice into the beef mixture until everything is combined evenly.

Step 7. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Top evenly with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 8. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 9. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it hold its shape when scooping.

5) Tips for Making Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Brown the beef fully before adding other ingredients to get the best flavor. It helps render any fat and deepen the taste.

Cook rice until just done. Overcooked rice can turn mushy in the oven. I like to undercook it slightly so it finishes while baking.

Use freshly shredded cheese if possible. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which often has anti-caking agents.

6) Making Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Ahead of Time

Assemble the casserole without baking and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes.

This is one of my favorite quick ground beef recipes to prepare in advance. It’s stress-free when guests arrive and the oven does the work.

If freezing, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

7) Storing Leftover Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even better.

Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through or in the microwave for a quick meal.

If you like a crispy top, sprinkle a bit more cheese before reheating.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole