Introducing the ultimate comfort food dish – the Easy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole! This dish combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese. It’s a satisfying one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Its irresistible flavors and easy instructions make it a family favorite in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Comforting, budget-friendly one-pot meal
- Combines ground beef, rice, and melted cheese
- Versatile recipe with options for quick or homemade versions
- Perfect for busy weeknights or larger gatherings
- Leftovers can be frozen or refrigerated for later enjoyment
Introduction to Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
The Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a beloved dish that brings comfort to families. It combines ground beef, rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This makes it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
What is a Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
This casserole is a baked dish with ground beef, rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. The ground beef is seasoned with spices. The rice adds a comforting base. The cheesy sauce holds everything together, making it delicious and satisfying.
Why this recipe is a family favorite
This casserole is loved for many reasons. It’s easy to make and cooks quickly. The flavors of ground beef, rice, and cheesy sauce are irresistible. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it a great choice for families.
Looking for a cozy meal or a quick dinner? The Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a great choice. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients for the Best Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
To make the perfect Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, you need a mix of great ingredients. You’ll need ground beef, long-grain rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce to hold it all together.
Ground Beef and Seasoning
Begin with 1 pound of top-quality ground beef. Add salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and your favorite spices. This makes the ground beef taste amazing.
Rice and Broth
You’ll need 2 1/4 cups of low-sodium beef broth and 1/2 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice. The recipe uses a 4:1 ratio of cooked rice to ground beef. This ensures a great mix of textures and tastes.
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of tomato paste
- 1/2 cup of diced white onion
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of milk or cream
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese
These ingredients make a rich, creamy sauce. It covers the ground beef and rice, making the casserole very tasty.
“The combination of savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce makes this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole a true comfort food classic.”
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the perfect cheesy hamburger rice casserole is easier than you might think. Let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions to assemble this family-favorite dish.
Preparing the Beef Mixture
Start by browning the 1 lb of lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan.
Then, stir in the 1 cup of chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/3 tsp pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes more, letting the flavors mix well.
Cooking the Rice
While the beef cooks, prepare the 3 cups of cooked white rice. Use 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth instead of water. This adds delicious flavor to the rice.
Assembling the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, the cooked rice, 1/2 cup of dairy-free cheese, and 1 1/2 cups of gluten-free garlic breadcrumbs. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup of dairy-free cheese.
- Bake the cheesy hamburger rice casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy this delicious and comforting step-by-step casserole recipe!
Tweaking the Recipe for Personal Preferences
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole recipe is very versatile. You can make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Adding extra vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition and flavor.
Adding Extra Vegetables
Try adding diced tomatoes, frozen peas, or sautéed mushrooms to the casserole. These veggies not only make it healthier but also add more taste. Just remember, the rice-to-liquid ratio is 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of liquid. You can adjust this to fit the extra ingredients you add.
Adjusting Seasoning Levels
Feel free to change the seasoning to match your taste. You can add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning. The ground beef should cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s brown. Then, bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Customizing the Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole makes it perfect for your family. It’s a dish that everyone will love. Just remember, the secret is to experiment and find the right mix of flavors for your taste.
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole for Busy Weeknights
The Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a great choice for busy weeknights. It’s easy to make and perfect for families. This casserole is quick to prepare and has just a few ingredients.
This recipe makes 8 servings and is filled with ground beef, rice, and cheese. It’s a hearty meal that everyone will love. You can have it ready in about an hour and a half, giving you more time to relax.
If you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner, this casserole is perfect. It’s easy to make and loved by all. It’s a great choice for those busy nights when you need a comforting meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lean Ground Beef | 1 pound |
| White Onion (diced) | 1 small |
| Green Bell Pepper (diced) | 1/2 cup |
| Celery (diced) | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic Cloves (minced) | 2 |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Tomato Paste | 1 tbsp |
| Petite Diced Tomatoes | 14.5 oz can |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | 10.5 oz can |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 10.5 oz can |
| Long Grain Rice | 1 cup |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1 1/2 cups |
This casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. It’s a hit that everyone will ask for seconds.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is perfect for meal prep. It can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer. This makes it great for busy weeknights.
Preparing the Casserole in Advance
To prep this casserole ahead, just follow the recipe but don’t bake it yet. Cover it and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Freezing and Reheating Instructions
- Let the casserole cool completely after baking.
- Put it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it in foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw it in the fridge overnight to reheat.
- Bake at 325°F until hot and bubbly, about 30-45 minutes.
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is perfect for busy nights. It’s great for make-ahead casserole recipes, freezing casserole meals, and reheating frozen casserole.
“Preparing this casserole in advance and having it ready to go in the freezer is a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when I don’t have time to cook from scratch.”
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
The Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a hearty meal. It has protein, starch, and veggies. But, there are many tasty sides that can make it even better.
Try a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette with the casserole. The cool greens balance the creamy casserole. Steamed or roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or brussels sprouts are also great. They add nutrition and variety.
Soft, fluffy rolls or biscuits are perfect with the casserole. They soak up the sauce, making the meal even more comforting. For crunch, top the casserole with crushed chow mein noodles before baking.
| Side Dish Idea | Complementary Flavors |
|---|---|
| Green Salad | The crisp, refreshing greens provide a contrast to the creamy casserole. |
| Steamed Broccoli | The bright, crunchy florets add a nutritious element to the meal. |
| Crusty Bread | The soft, warm bread is perfect for soaking up the casserole’s savory sauce. |
| Chow Mein Noodles | The crunchy topping provides a delightful textural contrast. |
Pairing the Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole with these sides makes a satisfying meal. Choose a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or warm bread. The options are endless for a complete and irresistible dinner.
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Variations
The classic Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is loved by many. But, you can also try new twists to make it even better. From a spicy Mexican version to a cauliflower rice option, these changes bring exciting flavors and healthier choices.
Mexican-Inspired Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Give your casserole a Mexican twist. Mix diced tomatoes, green chiles, cumin, and chili powder into the beef. Then, top it with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a delicious, TexMex-inspired finish.
Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Casserole
Want a lower-carb version? Use riced cauliflower instead of regular rice. It blends well with the cheesy hamburger mix, making a nutritious and filling dish.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1033 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 78 g |
| Protein | 74 g |
| Fat | 47 g |
| Saturated Fat | 21 g |
| Cholesterol | 128 mg |
| Sodium | 15229 mg |
| Potassium | 1519 mg |
| Fiber | 17 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Vitamin A | 949 IU |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Calcium | 730 mg |
| Iron | 7 mg |
The Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a hit with everyone. You can make it Mexican-inspired or use cauliflower rice for a healthier option. These changes make the dish delicious and adaptable to different tastes.
Conclusion
The easy cheesy hamburger rice casserole is a great choice for families. It mixes ground beef, rice, and cheese into a tasty, one-dish meal. It’s also easy on your wallet and can be made ahead of time.
This family-friendly casserole recipe is perfect for any meal. It’s great for big gatherings or just a cozy dinner at home. You can adjust the flavors to fit your family’s taste. So, try this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole and enjoy a delicious meal without spending a lot.
Bon appétit!
