Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: Your Family Will Love It!

Name: Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked; 2 cups beef broth; 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Posted on February 20, 2026

Protein

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole comes together in about 30 minutes and all in one pot for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! I mean, who doesn’t love a recipe that can be whipped up in no time and still comes packed with flavor? Let’s dive in!

Ingredient Breakdown

To whip up this delightful casserole, here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef: Look for a lean variety to keep it a little healthier!
1 onion, chopped: Yellow onion works perfectly, but if you have red or sweet, use that instead, let’s keep it flexible!
1 garlic clove, minced: Oh, the aromatic magic that garlic brings! A couple pinches more won’t hurt if you’re feeling adventurous.
1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked: You can substitute with brown rice, but it will require a bit more cooking time.
2 cups beef broth: Homemade, if you have it, but store-bought works great when you’re in a pinch!
1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: This brings all the creaminess. No mushrooms? Use cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce, talk about options!
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Feel free to mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra kick.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a couple pinches to enhance the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked, if possible!
1/2 teaspoon paprika: This gives it a snugly warmth you’ll love.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Because we all need a little color on our plates!

Let’s Get Cooking!

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it up so nothing sticks later. This is your stage for deliciousness!
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add your ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, no one wants a greasy casserole!
Next, add the uncooked rice, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup to the skillet. Season it all with a couple pinches of salt, pepper, and that lovely paprika. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, and then reduce the heat just a bit to let it simmer for about 5 minutes. That smell? Oh, it’s to die for!
Once it’s simmered nicely, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes.
After the time’s up, remove the foil and sprinkle that glorious cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Seriously, the sight of bubbling cheese is like a warm hug.
And don’t forget! After you take it out, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that pop of flavor and color before serving.

A Personal Note on This Recipe

You know, this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is my go-to recipe when the week feels extra long. I’m a real sucker for comfort food, especially when it can be ready in such a short time. I often whip it up while jamming to my favorite playlist, chatting with my kids about their day, and planning what’s ahead. The best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, making it a practical choice for those busy nights when you think, “What on earth am I cooking?” Trust me, this dish never disappoints!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Bobby Flay’s Crispy Rice, my Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice, or my Mexican Green Rice!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

With only 30 minutes until that delightful moment you get to sit down and eat, this casserole is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. You can have dinner on the table in no time, allowing more moments for family time!

One Pot

Everything comes together all in one pot. That means minimal cleanup afterward, no one wants to deal with mountains of dishes after a long day!

Budget-Friendly

Using affordable, everyday ingredients makes this a great way to keep the grocery bill in check without sacrificing flavor.

Customizable

The beauty of this casserole is that you can use it as a refrigerator clean-out recipe. Swap ingredients based on what you have or what you love! Get creative!

Comfort Food

It’s loaded with tons of flavor! Creamy, cheesy, and full of beefy goodness, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel warm and cozy inside.

Serving Suggestions

So, how do I serve this awe-inspiring dish? Easy! Here are some suggestions that will elevate mealtime even more:

Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for a healthy contrast to the rich and creamy casserole.
Crusty bread or even garlic bread can complement the dish beautifully, perfect for soaking up any leftovers.
For a little extra flair, drizzle a bit of hot sauce on top if your family likes a kick!

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: This casserole will keep in an airtight container for about 3-4 days. If you’re smart enough to have leftovers, congratulations, you’ve got a quick lunch ready to go!
Reheating: The best method is to heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. You can also pop it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry, just do 30-second increments until it’s warm.
Freezer-friendly: Yes! You can freeze this casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and it’ll stay good for about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, let it defrost in the fridge overnight before baking.

Dive in, friends! I encourage you to give this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole a whirl. It’s truly a delicious showcase of comfort food that will have your family asking for seconds. You’ll find that weeknight dinners don’t have to be a chore, they can be something to look forward to! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.

Happy cooking!