Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: Comfort Food Recipe Made Easy

Name: Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: Comfort Food Recipe Made Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Beef; 1 cup Long Grain Rice; 1/2 none Yellow Onion, diced; 1-2 cups Shredded Cheese; 2 cans (10 oz each) Cream of Mushroom Soup; 1/2 cup Sour Cream; to taste none Salt and Pepper

Servings: 6 Total Time: 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Delicious comfort food meals that bring warmth and satisfaction to your dining experience.

You’re in for a treat today! I’m excited to share a recipe that’s become a staple in my home, often bubbling away in the oven whenever the weather turns cozy or when I crave a hug in food form. Picture this: a creamy, cheesy casserole capturing the essence of comfort food, yet it’s oh-so-simple to whip up. This dish has a rustic charm and a flavor that transports you back to childhood dinners where everything felt safe, warm, and just like home.

What Makes This Recipe Special

You might wonder why this recipe is such a winner. It’s not just about combining ingredients; it’s about the magic that happens when they all come together. The earthy, savory notes of ground beef mingle with the creamy richness of mushroom soup and sour cream, while the rice serves as the sturdy foundation that binds it all. And let’s not forget that melty layer of cheese on top that adds a delightful crunch! It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even when you’re just a little too tired to fuss with something fancy. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable! If you’re a meat lover, a veggie enthusiast, or just on the lookout for a cozy meal, this dish can cater to all tastes.

Gather These Ingredients

Ground Beef (1 pound): This is your protein powerhouse. The beef offers a grounding flavor and a satisfying texture. Feel free to swap in turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
Long Grain Rice (1 cup): This fluffy staple absorbs all those wonderful flavors and creates a filling base. You can substitute with brown rice; just adjust the cooking time since it takes longer to soften.
Yellow Onion (1/2, diced): Ah, the humble onion—a flavor enhancer that brings depth to the dish. A sweet onion or even leeks would work beautifully here, adding a different flavor profile.
Shredded Cheese (1-2 cups): This is where the magic happens! A blend of your favorite cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella will melt into gooey deliciousness on top. You can definitely go for a dairy-free cheese if you want to keep it lighter.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (2 cans, 10 oz each): The classic comfort food base. If you’re feeling adventurous, use homemade mushroom soup or swap in cream of chicken if that’s what you have.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): This ingredient contributes to the creamy texture and slight tang. Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative for a healthier twist.
Salt and Pepper: Always taste as you go! These two staples will elevate your dish from good to absolutely fantastic.

The Cooking Process Explained

Cook the Rice: Begin by cooking the rice according to the package instructions until it’s fluffy. Once cooked, set it aside and let it rest while you prep everything else.
Preheat the Oven: Get ahead of the game by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully crumbled. Don’t rush this step; the browning creates a lovely depth of flavor. Drain any excess fat afterward—nobody likes greasy casserole.
Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and inviting.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked rice, browned beef, and diced onion into the soup mixture. Give everything a good stir to ensure even distribution.
Season It: Don’t skip this step—season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, flavors develop in the oven, so you want to build a strong base here.
Transfer and Spread: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bite is a taste of heaven.
Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle that shredded cheese on top. The more, the merrier!
Bake: Slide your dish into the oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is where the magic of comfort food starts to fill your kitchen!
Rest and Serve: Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Patience is key here, as it allows the flavors to meld even more before you dive in.

Serving Suggestions

Ah, the best part—digging in! This casserole is delightful on its own, but if you want to elevate the experience, consider pairing it with a crisp side salad or some garlicky green beans for a bit of contrast. A splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can add a fun twist. Truly, the sky’s the limit here—serve it family-style for everyone to dig in together or plate it up nice and neat for a more formal presentation.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

One of the best things about this comforting casserole is how well it stores. If you have any leftovers—lucky you! Cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can hang out in the fridge for about 3–4 days or even longer if you opt to freeze it (up to 2 months!). Just be sure to allow it to cool completely before freezing to avoid ice crystals. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, a quick reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes will bring it back to life like it just came out of the oven.

Pro Chef Tips

Cook Rice with Broth: For an extra flavor punch, cook your rice in beef or vegetable broth instead of plain water. It adds a delightful undertone to the finished dish.
Don’t Rush Browning: Take your time when browning the beef; it creates a deeper, richer flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or you’ll end up steaming instead of searing.
Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheese blends! A touch of Pepper Jack for a kick, or some Fontina for creaminess can elevate the dish tremendously.

Creative Twists

Feel like getting adventurous? Add in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or spinach for some well-rounded nutrition. If you’re in the mood for something a bit spicy, toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne. Or consider adding a Tex-Mex spin with some black beans, corn, and a taco seasoning blend instead of the typical flavor base.

Your Questions Answered

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Prep it the night before, cover it tightly, and stick it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
What goes well with it? A bright side salad or buttered corn provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Can I use other proteins? Yes! Chicken, turkey, or even a veggie ground option can make it just as delicious.
How long does it take to cook? Including prep time, you’re looking at around an hour from start to finish. Most of that is baking time!
Is this dish suitable for freezing? Yes! It freezes beautifully. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing.

You’ve made it through this journey of comfort food goodness! Now, let’s wrap things up. This casserole not only fills the belly but also fills the heart—perfect for those cold nights or days when you just need a little extra love. I invite you to get your apron on, gather your ingredients, and let your creativity flow in the kitchen. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dinner table. Now go create your own memories with this dish, and feel free to share your variations and experiences—happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: Comfort Food Recipe Made Easy

Cooking Method: Baking, Sauteing Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food E Easy F Family Friendly Non Vegetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins

Cooking Temp: 375 F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 450

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This creamy, cheesy casserole captures the essence of comfort food, combining ground beef, rice, and a delightful layer of melted cheese.

Main Ingredients

1 pound Ground Beef (Feel free to use turkey or chicken for a leaner option.)
1 cup Long Grain Rice (Can be substituted with brown rice.)
¹⁄₂ none Yellow Onion, diced (Sweet onion or leeks can be used.)
1-2 cups Shredded Cheese (A mix of cheddar and mozzarella is great.)
2 cans (10 oz each) Cream of Mushroom Soup (Homemade soup can be used.)
¹⁄₂ cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative.)
to taste none Salt and Pepper (Essential for elevating the dish.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28g44%
Saturated Fat 15g75%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 80mg27%
Sodium 800mg34%
Potassium 450mg13%
Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 3g
Protein 30g60%

Vitamin A 800 IU
Vitamin C 5 mg
Calcium 300 mg
Iron 3 mg
Vitamin D 0 IU
Vitamin E 1 IU
Vitamin K 2 mcg
Thiamin 0.4 mg
Riboflavin 0.4 mg
Niacin 6 mg
Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
Folate 50 mcg
Vitamin B12 2 mcg
Biotin 0 mcg
Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
Phosphorus 300 mg
Iodine 0 mcg
Magnesium 25 mg
Zinc 5 mg
Selenium 30 mcg
Copper 0.2 mg
Manganese 0.5 mg
Chromium 0 mcg
Molybdenum 0 mcg
Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to customize with different ingredients and flavors!

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, easy recipe, family dinner, ground beef

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prep it the night before and bake when ready.

What goes well with it?

A crisp side salad or garlicky green beans.

Can I use other proteins?

Absolutely! Chicken or turkey can be used.

How long does it take to cook?

Around an hour total, including baking time.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes! It freezes well; just cool completely before storing.

Mama K Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Katrina Petrova known as Mama K, a full-time food lover, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.