The Comforting Aroma of Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Ever walked into a kitchen and immediately felt your stomach rumble? That uplifting aroma mixed with savory goodness is what you get with Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. It’s the kind of dish that turns dinner into a cozy, heartwarming experience! This masterpiece is not only quick and easy, but it also uses just one pan, making cleanup a breeze – a major win in my book!
Why Make This Recipe
So why should you whip up this delight?
- Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients, you’re only minutes away from digging into a delicious meal.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters won’t stand a chance against melty cheese and seasoned ground beef. 🧀
- Budget-Friendly: Feed the crew without breaking the bank! Everyone loves a filling dish that fills both bellies and wallets.
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat!
- Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and mushroom soup. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole (Overview)
Making this casserole is as easy as 1-2-3! First, you’ll sauté the ground beef with aromatic onions and garlic. The next step is to mix in that long-grain rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Once it’s simmered to perfection, pop it into the oven! Pro tip: Don’t skip browning the beef well; it adds depth and flavor that makes a huge difference! 🍽️
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Think of serving this casserole like dishing out a hug on a plate. Pair it with a fresh side salad for a pop of color and crunch, or serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness. The aroma flowing from the casserole will have everyone flocking to the table — who could resist that?
How to Store Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Here are a few insider tricks to elevate your casserole game:
- For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before you bake.
- Swap ground beef for turkey or a meat alternative if you want a lighter dish.
- If you love a kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- You can use brown rice, but remember to adjust the cooking time!
- Sprinkle extra cheese before serving for a truly indulgent experience.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try adding some veggies like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition. For a meatless version, substitute with lentils! The possibilities are endless, and your taste buds will surely thank you. 😉
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, just cook it a bit longer to ensure it’s tender!How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute for a delicious twist.What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
Try using cream of chicken soup or make your own using a homemade roux!
With this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, you’ll be excited to gather around the dinner table. So why wait?
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat!
- Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and mushroom soup. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
