Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

This cheesy hamburger rice casserole transforms simple ingredients into a comforting family meal that comes together quickly on busy weeknights. The creamy texture and savory flavors make it a reliable crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults devour.

This casserole became my go-to solution during particularly hectic weeks when my children were in sports. I could prep it ahead and pop it in the oven while helping with homework, and it never fails to bring everyone to the table with enthusiasm.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: provides the hearty protein base choose 85/15 lean to fat ratio for best flavor without excess grease
• Onion: adds aromatic depth dice it finely if serving picky eaters
• Garlic powder: infuses the dish with savory notes without the texture of fresh garlic
• Cream of mushroom soup: creates the creamy binding sauce with minimal effort
• Sour cream: adds tanginess and creates the luxurious creamy texture
• White rice: forms the filling base medium or long grain works best
• Cheddar cheese: forms both the gooey interior and crispy topping sharp cheddar provides the most flavor
• Italian seasoning: optional but adds subtle herbal notes that elevate the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Set your oven to 350°F which provides the perfect temperature for melting cheese without drying out the casserole. While waiting, spray your baking dish thoroughly with nonstick spray, ensuring you cover the corners where sticking is most likely to occur.

Brown the Beef Mixture:

Heat your skillet over medium heat until you can feel warmth when holding your hand a few inches above the surface. Add the ground beef and chopped onion together, breaking the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes until the beef shows no pink and the onions become translucent. Carefully drain the excess fat by tilting the pan and using a spoon to remove it.

Season the Mixture:

Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over the meat mixture. Use about 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper as a starting point, adjusting to your taste preferences. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the seasonings evenly throughout the meat, cooking for an additional minute to allow the flavors to bloom.

Combine the Casserole Components:

In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the cooked rice, seasoned beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Continue folding until the ingredients are well integrated but not overmixed, which could make the rice gummy. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese and incorporate it throughout the mixture for pockets of melty goodness.

Assemble the Casserole:

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer reaching all corners. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese across the top, ensuring even coverage for that perfect golden crust.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the casserole on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop light golden spots. The edges should be bubbling slightly when it's done.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This critical step lets the molten ingredients settle and makes serving neater. The casserole will still be plenty hot but will hold its shape better when cut.

Save This

The cream of mushroom soup is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. While it might seem like a humble canned ingredient, it creates that nostalgic comfort food flavor that takes me back to family dinners at my grandmothers house. She would always make extra because my grandfather would inevitably come back for seconds, claiming it was even better than the first serving.

Make-Ahead Options

This casserole excels as a make-ahead meal for busy households. You can prepare the entire mixture and assemble it in the baking dish up to 24 hours before cooking. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate, then remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. You may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Ingredient Swaps

This recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option. Cream of chicken or celery soup works in place of mushroom for different flavor profiles. Brown rice or quinoa can substitute for white rice to add more fiber and nutrients. For a vegetable boost, add 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables to the beef mixture during the last minute of cooking. Plant-based cheese alternatives can work for those avoiding dairy, though they may not melt quite the same way.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty casserole with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans make excellent vegetable sides that complement without competing. For an extra special touch, serve with warm garlic bread to soak up any creamy sauce. This casserole is substantial enough to stand alone as a complete meal, but can also be portioned smaller as part of a larger spread for gatherings or potlucks.

Common Queries

→ Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work well in place of mushroom soup for a different flavor.

→ Is it possible to use brown rice?

Absolutely. Just cook the brown rice fully before adding it to the mixture, as it needs a longer cooking time than white rice.

→ How do I add more vegetables?

Stir in some chopped bell peppers, peas, or spinach with the beef mixture for added nutrition and color.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What cheese varieties can be used?

Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella melt beautifully and add different flavors to the dish.