One evening, Sunny opened Pinterest while trying to decide what to make for dinner with ingredients already in the kitchen. She didn’t want anything complicated. She just wanted a warm, filling meal that could stretch and still taste satisfying. That’s when a Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe caught her attention. Inspired by the version shared on The Cozy Cook, the dish looked simple, hearty, and familiar. Ground beef, rice, creamy sauce, and melted cheese all baked together felt like the kind of dinner that doesn’t disappoint. Sunny liked that it didn’t require special steps or fancy tools. This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe felt realistic for a weeknight and comforting enough to please everyone at the table.
This casserole fits nights when energy runs low but the need for a solid dinner stays high. It brings everything together in one dish with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Works So Well
What Makes This Casserole a Classic
A Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe combines simple ingredients into a dependable meal. Ground beef creates the base. Rice adds structure and makes the dish filling. A creamy sauce ties everything together, while cheese melts throughout for comfort.
This casserole works because it balances texture and flavor. The beef stays savory. The rice absorbs moisture and seasoning. The cheese adds richness without overpowering the dish. Because everything bakes together, each bite tastes consistent and satisfying.
Why It’s Perfect for Busy Dinners
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe fits into busy schedules because it doesn’t require constant attention. Once assembled, the oven handles the rest.
It also reheats well, which makes leftovers practical. That reliability explains why casseroles like this remain popular for family dinners.
Ingredients and Measurements
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe uses pantry and fridge staples found in most US homes.
Ingredient Table:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Long-grain white rice, uncooked | 1 cup |
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Yellow onion, diced | ½ cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¾ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
These measurements help the casserole cook evenly without drying out.
Why Each Ingredient Matters
Ground beef brings richness and protein to this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe. Rice absorbs the broth and sauce, creating a soft but structured texture. Beef broth adds depth without extra seasoning steps.
Cream of mushroom soup and sour cream create creaminess. Cheese melts into the dish, holding everything together. Onion and spices add flavor that keeps the casserole from tasting flat.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Step by Step
Cooking the Beef and Base
Start this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe by preheating the oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
Assembling and Baking the Casserole
In a large bowl, mix uncooked rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until smooth. Add the cooked beef mixture and stir again.
Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese melts and the rice turns tender. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Ideas and Simple Variations
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Serve this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe warm, straight from the dish. Pair it with a green salad or steamed vegetables for balance. The casserole holds together well, making it easy to portion.
It also works well for casual gatherings because it stays warm and satisfying during serving.
Easy Ways to Change the Recipe
You can adjust this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe to fit preferences. Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version. Add peas or corn for color. Swap cheddar for Colby Jack if desired.
These changes keep the dish familiar while offering flexibility.
FAQs
Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?
Yes, but reduce the broth to prevent excess moisture.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Yes. Freeze after baking and cooling. Thaw before reheating.
Does this casserole taste very rich?
It tastes creamy but balanced. Adjust cheese or sour cream if needed.
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe shows why simple dinners remain favorites. It relies on familiar ingredients, steady baking, and reliable flavor. That’s why it caught Sunny’s attention during a quick scroll and why it fits real-life cooking so well. With one dish and comforting results, it earns a place on repeat dinner lists.
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Cook onion and beef. Season. Mix rice, broth, soup, sour cream, and cheese. Combine with beef. Bake covered at 350°F for 45 minutes. Uncover, add cheese, and bake until melted.