There’s something incredibly comforting about a good casserole, isn’t there? I remember the first time I made Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole; it was a rainy day, and the smell wafting from the oven felt like a warm hug. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, yet it’s also utterly delicious. Loaded with flavors of beef, creamy mushrooms, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that can effortlessly turn your weeknight dinner into a cozy family feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a weeknight, you’re back home from a long day, and you just want something hearty, satisfying, and yes, cheesy! This casserole has it all—it’s comforting, rich, and delightfully cheesy. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, with forks poised, ready to dig in.
And let’s talk about the versatility here. This recipe is a fantastic one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze. Who doesn’t love a meal that’s easy to prepare and yet feels like a warm embrace? Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some wholesome ingredients—like the mushrooms and parsley—while your kids are focused on the cheese! It’s a weeknight winner for sure.
Gather These Ingredients
Let’s roll up our sleeves and take a sneak peek at what we’ll need. Trust me, you might even have most of these ingredients hanging around your kitchen!
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Choose a good quality beef; it’s pivotal for flavor. You can also swap this for turkey or even a meat substitute if you’re going for a lighter option.
- Onion (1, chopped): A sweet, pungent onion adds depth. If you’re looking for an extra kick, try using a red onion for a sweeter profile.
- Garlic Clove (1, minced): Garlic is like the magic fairy dust of cooking! Feel free to add more if you’re a fan.
- Long-Grain Rice (1 cup, uncooked): This is your hearty base. It cooks up perfectly while absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- Beef Broth (2 cups): Choose low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade beef broth takes it over the top.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.75 oz): This is the creamy comfort factor! While homemade is divine if you’re crunched for time, the canned version does the job just fine.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Grab sharp cheddar if you want a bolder flavor. Feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flair!
- Seasonings (½ teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and paprika): These little guys bring your dish to life. Don’t underestimate the power of seasoning!
- Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness. You could swap this for chives or green onions based on preference.
How This Recipe Comes Together
Now, let’s unleash the magic in your kitchen.
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Preheat the Oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking dish with a light grease. You want this baby to be ready and welcoming for the deliciousness coming its way.
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Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned beautifully—this might take around 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat; we want creamy, not greasy!
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Mix in the Good Stuff: Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring this bubbling beauty to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer for about 5 minutes. Just enough time for those flavors to mingle!
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Transfer and Bake: Pour that heavenly mixture into your prepared baking dish, covering it tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes and let the aromas fill your home.
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Cheesy Finish: After 25 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar all over, and return it to the oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until that cheese is melted and bubbly. Caressing, isn’t it? Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley—it’s the cherry on top!
Best Way to Enjoy It
Once all that goodness comes together, serve it up hot, letting the cheesy aroma wrap you in comfort. This casserole is dreamy on its own, but here are a few friendly suggestions on what to pair it with:
- Side Salad: A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette cut through the richness beautifully.
- Steamed Veggies: Think broccoli or green beans—something vibrant to balance out the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Because, let’s be honest—more carbs can never be a bad thing!
Feel free to jot down any other sides you love; this dish is incredibly adaptable!
How to Store and Freeze
Here’s the kicker: this casserole makes for fabulous leftovers! To keep it fresh, store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before segmentation into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It should last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave, and you’ll be transported back to that warm, loving aroma all over again.
Pro Chef Tips
- Cook the Rice: Cooking the rice in the broth adds a depth that plain water just can’t beat! It’s like a secret weapon.
- Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the dish during the first half of cooking keeps moisture in, which is key for that rice to cook perfectly.
- Add an Extra Crunch: For those who love a bit of texture, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs over the cheese in the last few minutes of baking for a delightful crunch.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to switch things up:
- Mexican Flare: Add black beans, corn, or swap the cream of mushroom for salsa. Top with pepper jack cheese for a tasty kick!
- Veggie Delight: Throw in your favorite veggies—like bell peppers or zucchini—to bump up the nutrition.
- Herb Infusion: Try basil or oregano instead of parsley for a different herby vibe—truly a twist of fate!
Your Questions Answered
- How long does this take to prepare? About 15 minutes to get everything prepped and then just let the oven do the magic!
- Can I make it ahead? Absolutely! It’s a wonderful make-ahead dish. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat.
- What’s a good substitute for the beef? Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully for a lighter meal, or go plant-based with lentils or a veggie mix.
- Is it possible to swap the rice? Sure thing! Quinoa or cauliflower rice can give you a different spin while keeping it cozy.
- Can I use frozen veggies? Yes! Adding frozen peas or corn in can offer quick nutrients and flavor. Just toss them in before baking.
You’re all set to tackle this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole now! Give it a whirl, and I can’t wait to hear how it goes. Enjoy the warmth it brings to your kitchen, and remember that cooking is always a little bit of magic. Feel free to tweak it, make it yours, and share your experiences. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Description
This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is loaded with flavors of ground beef, creamy mushrooms, and gooey cheese, making it a cozy family feast.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
-
Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking dish with a light grease. -
Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. -
Mix in the Good Stuff
Stir in uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 5 minutes. -
Transfer and Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and bake for 25 minutes. -
Cheesy Finish
Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar on top, and return to the oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 25g50%
- Vitamin A 8 IU
- Vitamin C 4 mg
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 15 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 6 mcg
- Thiamin 10 mg
- Riboflavin 8 mg
- Niacin 15 mg
- Vitamin B6 6 mg
- Folate 20 mcg
- Vitamin B12 15 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 10 mg
- Phosphorus 20 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 0 mg
- Zinc 20 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 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
Great for leftovers; store in an airtight container.
