Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: The Ultimate 7-Ingredient Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is an amazing comfort dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This ultimate recipe combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a medley of creamy cheese to create a universe of flavors in every mouthful. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also delivers an incredible result that family and friends will rave about. It’s a versatile dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, promising to keep everyone asking for seconds!
If you’ve been searching for an easy and delicious casserole recipe, look no further. Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a nostalgic reminder of home-cooked goodness. With its irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen, it’s hard not to feel a sense of comfort and joy. In this guide, you’ll discover why this recipe is a must-have in your collection, as well as tips and tricks to serve it perfectly. Let’s explore what makes this dish so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is beloved by many for various reasons, making it a goal-worthy addition to your weekly menu. Here are just a few reasons you’ll fall in love with this dish:
1. Simplicity: Using just seven ingredients, this recipe is quick to assemble, allowing you to serve a fantastic meal without extensive preparation.
2. Flavorful Profile: The combination of ground beef, rice, and cheese creates a rich and hearty flavor that satisfies the heartiest of appetites.
3. Versatility: Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting the protein. It’s adaptable to suit your taste.
4. Family-Friendly: The cheesy goodness and comforting flavors make it a hit among both kids and adults.
5. Leftover Friendly: This casserole keeps well in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches.
6. Quick Cooking Time: Enjoy a complete meal in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited.
7. Comfort Food Appeal: This dish offers the warm embrace of nostalgia, making it an ultimate comfort food.
With these appealing factors, there’s no wonder Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole holds a special place in the hearts of many home cooks. Each hearty serving reveals a symphony of flavors designed to please and comfort!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is an efficient process that won’t take up too much of your day. Here’s a breakdown of the time required:
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
These times may vary depending on your kitchen experience and tools, but this framework will help guide you through your cooking adventure!

Ingredients

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Season: Sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder while stirring to mix the flavors evenly.
4. Combine Rice and Broth: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice and beef broth. Mix well.
5. Add Soup: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup until fully incorporated with the rice and broth.
6. Add Beef: Fold in the browned ground beef, ensuring everything is well mixed.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
9. Add Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
10. Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Each step is designed to bring out the best flavors in this comforting dish!

How to Serve

To ensure your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a hit, consider the following when serving:
1. Presentation: Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic feel, or transfer into a beautiful serving dish for an elegant touch.
2. Accompaniments: Consider pairing the casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
3. Portion Size: Serve generous portions, as this comforting dish is hard to resist and encourages guests to come back for seconds!
4. Garnish: Fresh parsley or diced green onions can add a pop of color and a hint of flavor to the dish.
5. Beverage Pairing: Complement with a light red wine or iced tea to enhance the flavors of your casserole.
By taking these serving tips into account, you’ll elevate the enjoyment of your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, making every meal memorable.

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh produce and high-quality ground beef for the best flavor in your casserole.
– Cook Rice Properly: Make sure the rice is cooked evenly; undercooked rice can affect the dish’s overall texture.
– Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture before baking.
– Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, to create a unique flavor profile.
– Top with Crunch: For added texture, consider sprinkling crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to customize this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole to suit your tastes! Here are some variations to try:
1. Veggie-Enhanced: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or frozen peas to the meat mixture for a healthy twist.
2. Different Proteins: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative to suit dietary preferences.
3. Creamy Spin: Mix in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the meat and rice mixture for an added creaminess.
4. Southwestern Style: Incorporate black beans and corn, along with taco seasoning, for a Mexican-inspired casserole.
5. Italian Flair: Use Italian sausage instead of beef and add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for an Italian twist.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Keep your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
– Freezing: This dish freezes well! Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and it will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.

Special Equipment

To successfully prepare your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, you will need the following tools:
– Skillet: To brown the ground beef.
– Mixing Bowl: For combining the rice and other ingredients.
– 9×13-inch Baking Dish: To hold your casserole during baking.
– Wooden Spoon: For stirring the mixture.
– Oven Mitts: For safely handling the hot baking dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook. You might need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even water in place of beef broth, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the flavor.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to add as much cheese as you want. It will melt beautifully and enhance the dish.
Is this casserole spicy?
The base recipe is not spicy, but you can certainly add spices or hot sauce to kick up the heat.

Conclusion

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a delightful, satisfying dish that is loved by families everywhere. Easy to prepare and deliciously filling, it truly embodies the essence of comfort food. With its incredible cheese flavor blending with hearty ground beef and rice, this casserole will surely become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a comforting meal that is guaranteed to impress!

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