Description
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting and simple one-dish meal featuring ground beef, seasoned tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese baked with fluffy rice. This classic comfort food combines savory flavors with a creamy, cheesy finish, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (or 2½ to 3 cups cooked rice)
Canned Ingredients
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10.5 oz) can tomato soup or tomato sauce
Dairy and Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Green onions
- Extra cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: If you don’t already have cooked rice, prepare 1 cup of uncooked rice according to the package directions. Once cooked, set it aside for mixing later.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute to release its aroma. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika (if using), and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (if using), ensuring even distribution.
- Combine with Tomatoes and Rice: Pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes and the tomato soup or sauce, stirring to combine everything well. Fold in the cooked rice, then add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese is evenly incorporated into the beef and rice mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and has a slight golden color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows it to set and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions as desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- The paprika and Italian seasoning are optional but add wonderful depth of flavor.
- Use leftover cooked rice to save time.
- You can substitute tomato soup with tomato sauce if preferred.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated easily.
- Additional toppings like sliced olives or jalapeños can be added before baking for a twist.
