Name: Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 can (14½ oz) diced tomatoes (with juice); 2 Tbsp tomato paste or 2 Tbsp ketchup; 1 cup beef broth or water; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican‑blend); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp paprika or chili powder (optional); Chopped parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

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Cheesy hamburger rice casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal made with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and plenty of melted cheese. I love making it when I want something hearty, family-friendly, and easy to throw together with pantry staples.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole is simple, filling, and packed with savory flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights when I don’t want to fuss with multiple pots or complicated ingredients. It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep. Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Cooked white or brown rice
Canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
Tomato paste or ketchup (for richness)
Beef broth or water
Shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika or chili powder (optional)
Parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. I drain any excess fat.
I add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
I stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, seasonings, and broth. I let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
I mix in the cooked rice and about half of the shredded cheese.
I transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
I garnish with parsley or green onions before serving, if I want a fresh finish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people. Prep time is 15 minutes, and total cooking time is about 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add frozen peas or corn for extra veggies.
Swapping the ground beef for turkey or chicken works great.
For a Tex-Mex twist, I stir in taco seasoning and top with jalapeños.
I’ve also layered in sliced zucchini or mushrooms for more texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions or bake the whole dish at 350°F until warmed through. It also freezes well—I portion it out and store for up to 2 months. Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice?

I prefer using pre-cooked rice for quicker prep. If using uncooked rice, I add more broth and bake longer, covered.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but I’ve used Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend. Anything melty works.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it ahead and refrigerate. When ready, I bake it covered for 30 minutes, then uncover for another 10 to melt the cheese.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Definitely. It’s cheesy, mild, and filling—always a hit with kids and adults.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, I use lentils or plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef, and veggie broth instead of beef broth.

Conclusion

Cheesy hamburger rice casserole is one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s hearty, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a reliable, delicious dish that I love coming back to.