Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Few comfort foods satisfy like a Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole — a dish that delivers hearty beef, tender rice, and gooey cheese in every forkful. This classic family favorite is endlessly customizable, incredibly filling, and comes together with simple pantry staples. It’s a crowd-pleaser suited for busy weeknights and potlucks alike.

Why Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Is a Favorite

This casserole unites everyday ingredients into a one-pan wonder: the savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, fluffy rice, and a blanket of melted cheese create irresistible layers of flavor. It’s easy to assemble, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a hungry group. Plus, the recipe is forgiving — customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spice level to suit your family’s taste.

Preparation Essentials for Casserole Success

Start by dicing your onions and peppers quickly and evenly. Tools like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can save time and ensure consistent cuts, which means more even cooking. Next, cook your ground beef, breaking it up finely for a perfect texture — the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher makes this step effortless.

Selecting a solid non-stick skillet such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet ensures your ingredients cook evenly and release easily for an easy cleanup.

Building Layers of Flavor

Once your vegetables are softened and the beef is browned, mix in your seasonings, tomato sauce, broth, and rice. Bringing everything together in a single skillet maximizes the melding of flavors. To simplify the transfer to your casserole dish, have a set of KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set handy for safe and secure handling.

Cover the entire mixture with a generous layer of shredded cheese, which turns bubbly and golden as it bakes — the signature finish that makes everyone excited for dinner.

Serving Suggestions and Make-Ahead Tips

Let the casserole rest before slicing for the cleanest servings. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep them fresh and ready for easy lunches or reheating.

Pair this cozy casserole with a side salad, steamed greens, or roasted vegetables. For casual gatherings, serve with disposable table covers like the Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack for super-fast cleanup.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields roughly 6 hearty portions. Each serving contains about 400-500 calories, depending on the type of cheese and beef used, plus plenty of protein to keep you satisfied.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe (Recap)

The Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that hits all the high notes: savory beef, dynamic seasonings, tender rice, and a glorious cheesy finish. It’s a reliable, family-friendly dinner that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium-high and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened, using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for easy prep.
3. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
5. Add rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and broth. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish lined with the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for effortless cleanup.
7. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar evenly on top. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Uncover, sprinkle the remaining cheese, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and casserole is bubbly.
9. Remove from oven using your KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set. Let stand 10 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Enjoy comfort food at its finest — a warm, melty, flavor-packed Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is sure to be requested again and again!