Name: Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup; 2 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 24 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dish that brings warmth and wholesomeness to the dinner table, this Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe is the perfect choice. Combining tender ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and cheesy goodness with fluffy rice, it’s a delightful one-dish wonder that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe never fails to impress with its rich flavors and comforting texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. On the right is a small wooden board with a block of red ground meat on white parchment paper. To the left below is a white bowl filled with bright orange shredded cheese. Above the cheese is a clear glass bowl with a beige creamy mixture that has some darker specks. Above that and to the left is a metal measuring cup filled with white rice. To the right of the rice is a clear glass measuring cup with a dark brown liquid inside. At the bottom right is a small round wooden dish with four different spices in separate sections: white salt, black pepper, pale yellow garlic powder, and reddish chili powder. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe plays a key role, from the juicy ground beef that forms the hearty base to the flavorful seasonings that make it pop. These simple pantry staples come together beautifully, creating a balanced texture and an inviting color palette that’s pleasing to the eye and soul.

1 pound ground beef: Choose lean to keep the casserole hearty but not greasy.
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: Provides the perfect fluffy, tender base that absorbs all the great flavors.
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup: Adds creamy richness and a subtle earthiness to tie everything together.
2 cups beef broth: Intensifies the meaty flavor and keeps the rice moist while cooking.
1 teaspoon garlic salt: Boosts savory depth without overpowering the dish.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and aromatic lift.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and vibrant color that wakes up your taste buds.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough spice to balance the rich flavors.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The melty, golden topping that makes every bite irresistible.

How to Make Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your casserole won’t stick. Having your cooking space ready makes things flow smoothly as you move through the steps.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning your beef adds a wonderful depth of flavor and texture. Be sure to drain any excess fat so your casserole stays flavorful but not greasy.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Place the browned ground beef into the greased baking dish. Add the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a deliciously savory blend ready for baking.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 45 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the flavorful broth and cook through. This step is crucial for achieving tender rice without drying out the casserole.

Step 5: Check Rice and Continue Baking

After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and check if the rice is fully tender. If it isn’t quite there yet, recover with foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes. This ensures the rice cooks perfectly without overbaking the rest of the ingredients.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Once the rice is ready, take off the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step melts the cheese into a bubbly, golden crust that’s truly irresistible.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let your Hamburger Rice Casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief pause allows the dish to set, making it easier to serve and intensifying the flavors with every bite.

How to Serve Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish holds a cheesy casserole with three layers visible: a bottom layer of brown meat and rice, a thick middle layer mixed with sauce, and a top layer of melted golden-yellow cheese sprinkled with green herbs. A silver serving spoon with a wooden handle lifts one square piece from the dish, showing the textured layers inside. Nearby, a white scalloped bowl contains shredded bright orange cheese, and in the background, fresh green parsley adds color contrast. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a checked cloth nearby, and two white plates with portions of the casserole are partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh burst of flavor and color, try topping your casserole with chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. These simple garnishes add brightness and make the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even a side of roasted carrots. The freshness of the sides helps balance the creamy, rich nature of the casserole, rounding out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

To make your Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe stand out, serve it in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a cozy, rustic feel. You can also turn leftovers into hearty stuffed bell peppers by filling hollowed peppers with the casserole, then baking until the peppers are tender and the top is golden.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover casserole into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy reheats and quick lunches.

Freezing

This Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to keep the moisture in and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. A little sprinkle of extra cheese on top before reheating is always a nice touch!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but because it takes longer to cook, you’ll need to adjust the baking time and possibly add more liquid to ensure the rice finishes cooking properly without drying out.

Is cream of mushroom soup necessary?

While cream of mushroom soup adds a creamy, savory richness, you could substitute with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade béchamel for a similar texture and flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and beans for texture, and swap beef broth for vegetable broth.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for its flavor and melting qualities, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses depending on your preference.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or frozen peas can enhance both nutrition and texture. Just be mindful to adjust the seasoning and liquid ratios as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate, bringing simple, affordable ingredients together into a dish your whole family will love. Its easy preparation and flexible nature make it an absolute kitchen winner anytime you crave comfort food that doesn’t disappoint. Go ahead, give it a try soon — I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to meals!