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- 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium) - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, thoroughly drained - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) In this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, the main ingredients create a hearty base. Ground beef gives richness. Long-grain white rice adds texture. Beef broth enhances the savory flavor. Next, add the vegetables and aromatics. Diced onions provide sweetness. Minced garlic adds a nice kick. Diced tomatoes bring moisture and acidity. Now, let’s talk cheese and seasonings. Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and makes the dish creamy. Paprika adds a touch of warmth. Italian seasoning gives a hint of herbs. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper for balance. This mix of ingredients ensures a comforting meal that is both delicious and satisfying. Each component plays a role in building layers of flavor. When baked, they combine into a bubbly, cheesy delight. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook over medium heat. Brown the beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This helps keep the casserole light. Next, add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes. Stir often until the onion is soft and clear. Then, stir in 1 cup of long-grain white rice. Let it cook with the beef for 2 minutes. This toasts the rice and enhances its flavor. Now, pour in 2 cups of beef broth and a can of drained diced tomatoes. Add 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and lower the heat. Cook for about 15 minutes. The rice should be tender and soak up most of the liquid. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1.5 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This cheese melts nicely and adds creaminess to the dish. Carefully pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Top it with the remaining 0.5 cup of cheddar cheese. Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You want it golden and bubbly on top. Enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen! To enhance the taste of your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, use seasonings like paprika and Italian herbs. They add depth to the dish. For cheese, I recommend sharp cheddar. It melts well and gives a rich flavor. You can mix in some mozzarella for a stretchier texture if you like. To prevent drying out, cover the skillet while it simmers. This keeps the moisture in, making the rice fluffy. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. It helps the flavors mix well and cooks everything uniformly. Serve the casserole straight from the dish for a cozy look. This makes it feel homey and warm. For a fancier touch, scoop it onto plates. Pair it with a crisp green salad. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the casserole beautifully. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat in your casserole, making it healthier while still being rich in flavor. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite frozen vegetables or whatever you have on hand—bell peppers, broccoli, or green beans can add a nice twist! Leftover Makeover: This casserole is perfect for leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat for a quick meal. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a unique flavor profile—mixing cheeses can elevate the dish! {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Substitute the ground beef with lentils or beans. Lentils add protein and fiber. Use cooked green or brown lentils for a hearty texture. If you prefer beans, black beans or kidney beans work well. Both options keep the dish filling and tasty. Spicing things up can make your casserole unique. Try adding cumin or chili powder. These spices give warmth and depth. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for heat. Experiment with dried herbs too, like oregano or thyme, for added flavor. A dash of hot sauce is another fun option. Switching up the cheese can change the taste. Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can use other types. Monterey Jack adds a creamy texture. For a twist, try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Blending cheeses, like mozzarella with gouda, creates a rich topping. Mix it up and find your favorite blend! To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. Properly stored, it lasts up to four days in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just take out what you need. To freeze, portion the casserole into smaller containers. This makes reheating easier. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. When reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and add a splash of beef broth. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your warm and cheesy casserole! Yes, you can use brown rice. However, you need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice takes longer to cook. Use about 2.5 cups of beef broth for 1 cup of brown rice. Cook the casserole for about 45 minutes instead of 20-25 minutes. Check for tenderness before serving. Your casserole lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure it cools down before you seal it. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing. Absolutely! You can prep this dish up to a day in advance. Cook all the ingredients, then store them in the fridge. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil. When you're ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge. Add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time. This casserole pairs well with many sides. A crisp green salad adds freshness. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. Another great option is steamed vegetables to balance the cheese and meat. This blog post guided you through making a Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. We covered ingredients like ground beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese. Step-by-step instructions ensured your dish is easy to prepare and bake. Remember, you can modify flavors by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh for later. Enjoy serving this comforting meal with your favorite sides. I hope you feel inspired to create your own delicious version!

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole made with ground beef, rice, and plenty of cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, thoroughly drained
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • to garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
  • Cook the Beef: In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it's browned and no longer pink, making sure to break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, carefully drain excess fat from the skillet to ensure the dish isn't greasy.
  • Sauté Aromatics: To the skillet with the cooked beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  • Toast the Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice into the skillet and let it cook with the beef mixture for an additional 2 minutes. This will help to lightly toast the rice, enhancing its flavor.
  • Combine Ingredients: Pour in the beef broth along with the drained diced tomatoes and frozen mixed vegetables. Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Simmer to Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid, lowering the heat slightly, and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Incorporate Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture, allowing it to melt and blend thoroughly.
  • Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully pour the cheese and beef mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top for that deliciously bubbly finish.
  • Bake: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and give it about 5 minutes to cool slightly. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Keyword beef, casserole, cheese, rice