Name: Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole – Easy Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups cooked rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Optional: 1 cup chopped bell peppers or broccoli

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This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that combines ground beef, fluffy rice, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese into a delicious, comforting meal. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This casserole is not only simple to prepare, but it also offers flexibility for various dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Here’s why:

It’s quick and easy, ready in just 45 minutes.
Budget-friendly and made with simple pantry staples.
Freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep.
Adaptable — you can easily customize it with vegetables or alternative ingredients to suit your dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef (hamburger meat)
rice
cream of mushroom soup
cheddar cheese
seasonings (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, seasonings, and half of the cheddar cheese.
Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 servings and takes approximately 45 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and baking time.

Variations

Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor.
Add chopped bell peppers, broccoli, or peas for extra nutrition and color.
Use brown rice or quinoa for a whole-grain alternative.
Make it low-carb by replacing rice with cauliflower rice.
Choose a gluten-free cream soup and ensure your seasonings are gluten-free for a gluten-free version.

Storage/reheating

Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing.

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze in individual portions or the entire casserole for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings until hot.

FAQs

How can I make this casserole healthier?

You can add more vegetables, use lean ground beef or turkey, and substitute regular cheese with reduced-fat cheese.

Can I use instant rice in this recipe?

Yes, but reduce the baking time since instant rice cooks faster than regular rice.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are great alternatives.

Can I freeze the casserole before baking?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Keep it covered with foil during most of the baking time to retain moisture, and avoid overbaking.

Can I make this with ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and makes the dish lighter.

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

Cheddar is traditional, but you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend.

How can I add more flavor to the casserole?

Try adding garlic, onions, Worcestershire sauce, or herbs like thyme or parsley to the beef mixture.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

It can be if you use gluten-free cream soup and check that your seasonings are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a delicious and dependable recipe that brings together classic comfort food flavors with minimal effort. It’s ideal for busy families looking for a satisfying, budget-friendly meal that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Give this casserole a try — it’s sure to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole – Easy Dinner Recipe

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This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole combines ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, fluffy rice, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting, easy, and budget-friendly dinner ready in 45 minutes.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb ground beef
2 cups cooked rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional: 1 cup chopped bell peppers or broccoli

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
In a large bowl, combine cooked ground beef, rice, cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and optional veggies if using.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.