This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just five simple ingredients, this casserole delivers rich flavors and creamy textures that everyone will love. It’s ideal for family dinners or potlucks, ensuring that you can serve up a warm and satisfying meal in no time!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Casserole
- How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Step 3: Simmer
- Step 4: Broil the Cheese
- Step 5: Season and Serve
- How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- With a Fresh Salad
- Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Accompanied by Bread
- How to Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Reheating Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
- How do I customize my Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
- What should I serve with Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
- Can I make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole ahead of time?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This casserole can be assembled in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
- Minimal Ingredients: With only five ingredients, it’s easy to make and budget-friendly.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of ground beef, creamy soup, and melted cheese creates a deliciously comforting dish.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the cheesy goodness and hearty texture.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make preparation easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Casserole dish
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef evenly while allowing you to mix in other ingredients seamlessly.
- Casserole dish: Perfect for transferring the mixture from stovetop to oven, ensuring even cooking and melting of cheese.
- Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients together without damaging the skillet’s surface.

Ingredients
To prepare this delicious Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 0.5 cup long grain white rice
- 0.75 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Crumble the ground beef into a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook and stir until evenly browned.
- Drain off any grease.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juice.
- Mix in the uncooked rice.
Step 3: Simmer
- Cover the skillet.
- Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until rice is cooked, about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Broil the Cheese
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Transfer the contents from the skillet into a casserole dish.
- Cover with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Season and Serve
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole!
How to Serve Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Serving Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole can elevate your meal experience. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors and presentation.
With a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad – A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing complements the cheesy casserole nicely.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Sprinkling fresh parsley on top brings a pop of color and flavor.
- Green Onions – Sliced green onions provide a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
Accompanied by Bread
- Garlic Bread – Warm, buttery garlic bread offers a delightful crunch alongside the casserole.
- Dinner Rolls – Soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
How to Perfect Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
To ensure your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is always delicious, follow these helpful tips:
- Use Quality Ground Beef – Choose lean ground beef for better flavor and less grease in your dish.
- Add Extra Vegetables – Mix in cooked bell peppers or onions for added nutrition and taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice – Keep an eye on the rice while simmering; it should be tender but not mushy.
- Broil Carefully – Monitor the casserole while broiling to prevent burning the cheese topping.
- Experiment with Cheese – Try different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Pairing side dishes is essential to create a balanced meal with your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds crunch and color while being nutritious.
- Roasted Carrots – Sweet roasted carrots bring out natural sugars that complement the savory casserole.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast with its crunchy texture.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic side that’s easy to prepare.
- Baked Beans – Sweet baked beans add another layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with beef dishes.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes can make your meal even more comforting and filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes that can affect your dish.
- Overcooking the beef: Cooking the ground beef for too long can make it tough. Cook just until browned and drain excess fat for a tender result.
- Skipping seasoning: Failing to season your dish properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
- Using uncooked rice improperly: Not allowing the rice to cook fully can result in crunchy bites. Ensure you cover and simmer according to the instructions for perfect rice.
- Not broiling long enough: If you don’t broil the casserole long enough, the cheese won’t melt evenly. Keep an eye on it until it’s golden and bubbly.
- Ignoring leftovers: Letting leftovers sit out too long can spoil them. Store any uneaten casserole in airtight containers promptly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to label with the date for easy identification.
Reheating Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative that will still yield delicious results. It may produce a lighter flavor profile but works well with the other ingredients.
How do I customize my Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition and flavor. Experimenting with different cheeses can also enhance the dish.
What should I serve with Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables, balancing the hearty dish nicely.
Can I make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to baking, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready, simply bake as instructed.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is not just quick and comforting; it’s also versatile! You can easily tailor it to fit your taste by adding vegetables or trying different cheeses. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
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Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of our Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and creamy textures in just one pan. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, requiring only five simple ingredients. The hearty combination of ground beef, creamy soup, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that pleases both kids and adults alike. Serve it as a main dish or pair it with a fresh salad for a complete dining experience. With minimal preparation time, you can have this comforting casserole on the table in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 0.5 cup long grain white rice
- 0.75 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, then drain any grease.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and diced tomatoes with their juice.
- Mix in the uncooked rice, cover, and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes until the rice is cooked.
- Preheat your oven's broiler, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, top with shredded mozzarella cheese, and broil until melted and bubbly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg





