There’s something incredibly comforting about a cheesy hamburger rice casserole that just feels like home. The way the savory ground beef melds with tender rice and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s not only hearty but also absolutely delicious. I remember growing up, my family would gather around the dinner table, and this was always a favorite. The delightful combination of flavors and textures made every bite a warm hug. Trust me, once you try this cheesy hamburger rice casserole, it’ll become a go-to in your home too. It’s easy to make and perfect for those busy weeknights!
Ingredients for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping if desired
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Make sure to have everything prepped before you start. I find that chopping the onion and mincing the garlic ahead of time makes the cooking process smoother and quicker. And don’t skimp on the cheese—trust me, a little extra on top is always a good idea for that bubbly, golden finish!
How to Prepare Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this cheesy hamburger rice casserole! It’s really quite simple and oh-so-satisfying. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting dish ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important so your casserole bakes evenly!
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy casserole!
- Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. The aroma will be fantastic!
- Now, stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring this delightful mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all those yummy flavors.
- Once the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Don’t forget to spread it out evenly!
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
And there you have it! Just a few steps away from a cozy, cheesy meal that your family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and filling, thanks to the combination of ground beef and rice.
- Family-friendly appeal—everyone loves gooey cheese!
- One-pan dish means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Leftovers are just as tasty, making it great for meal prep!
Honestly, this cheesy hamburger rice casserole checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s comfort food at its best!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cheesy hamburger rice casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to match your taste—if you love a little kick, add some red pepper flakes! You can also switch up the cheese; Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds a fun twist. If you want to sneak in some veggies, bell peppers or spinach work beautifully. And remember, if you prefer brown rice, just add a bit more broth and extend the cooking time by about 10 minutes. Happy cooking!
Variations of Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this cheesy hamburger rice casserole! For a veggie boost, try adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn for a pop of sweetness. You can also mix in some spices like cumin or chili powder for a Tex-Mex twist—yum! And don’t forget about the cheese; swapping out cheddar for pepper jack or gouda can give it a whole new flavor profile. If you’re in the mood for something creamy, a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese mixed in before baking adds a luscious texture. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, this cheesy hamburger rice casserole hits the spot, and it’s nice to know what you’re eating! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. If you make any substitutions, don’t forget to recalculate your nutritional info! Enjoy your cheesy goodness guilt-free!
FAQ About Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! If you prefer brown rice, just remember to add a bit more beef broth and increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes, since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken works great! For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a mix of your favorite veggies.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave, and enjoy!
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before baking or reheating.
For more information on the benefits of ground beef, check out this resource. If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, visit Eatwell101 for tips and recipes. Lastly, for nutritional information, you can refer to USDA FoodData Central.
Print
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: 5 Steps to Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting cheesy hamburger rice casserole that combines ground beef, rice, and cheese in a hearty dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until soft.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For extra flavor, add bell peppers or mushrooms.
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheesy hamburger rice casserole
