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For this tasty dish, you will need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup - 2 cups beef broth - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) These ingredients form the base of your casserole. The ground beef adds flavor and protein. The rice cooks in the broth, soaking up all the savory goodness. The cheddar cheese soup helps create a creamy texture, while the mixed vegetables add color and nutrients. You can make this dish your own by adding optional ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Bell peppers, diced - Mushrooms, sliced - Cooked bacon, crumbled - Hot sauce for a kick Feel free to get creative! Adding these ingredients can enhance the flavor and make it more exciting. To really boost the taste of your casserole, consider these seasonings: - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme These seasonings will elevate the dish. You can adjust them based on your taste. Adding fresh herbs right before serving gives a nice touch. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cook your casserole evenly. Next, grab a 9x13 inch casserole dish and grease it. I use a bit of olive oil for this. Now, in a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add one diced medium onion and cook until it looks clear, about five minutes. This step adds flavor. Then, add two minced garlic cloves. Stir for about one minute until you smell the garlic. Next, it’s time to cook the ground beef. Add one pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until it turns brown. This should take about five to seven minutes. If there’s too much grease, drain it. This keeps your casserole from being greasy. Once the beef is cooked, it’s time to mix in the other ingredients. In the skillet, stir in one can of condensed cheddar cheese soup and two cups of beef broth. Then, add one cup of uncooked long-grain rice, one teaspoon of onion powder, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well. Now, gently fold in one cup of frozen mixed vegetables and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour this mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Top the dish with the remaining cheese. Cover the casserole dish with foil. Bake it in the oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. You want the cheese to bubble and the rice to cook through. Once done, let it cool for five minutes before serving. This makes it easier to cut and serve. Enjoy your cheesy hamburger rice casserole! To get fluffy rice, start with rinsing the uncooked rice. Rinsing removes excess starch. This step helps keep the rice from getting sticky. When cooking, use the right amount of beef broth. The broth adds flavor while cooking the rice. Stir the mixture well but gently. This helps keep the rice grains separate. Cover the casserole with foil while baking to trap moisture. This way, the rice cooks evenly. To speed up your prep time, chop the onion and garlic ahead of time. You can do this the night before. Use frozen mixed veggies to save time. They are already washed and cut. You can also cook the ground beef in bulk. Then, store it in the fridge. This way, it’s ready when you need it. Prepare the casserole base in advance, too. You can assemble it and bake later. This makes it easy for busy nights. To add more flavor, try mixing in some spices. A pinch of paprika or cumin can give a nice kick. You might also add diced bell peppers or mushrooms. These can enhance the texture and taste. For a creamier dish, stir in some sour cream or cream cheese. You can even sprinkle some crispy bacon on top before serving. This gives a crunchy texture and rich flavor. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce grease in the casserole and create a healthier dish. Customize Vegetables: Feel free to use fresh vegetables or your favorite frozen mix to personalize the dish to your taste. Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a flavorful kick if you enjoy a bit of heat. Leftover-Friendly: This casserole reheats well, so make extra for delicious leftovers that can be enjoyed throughout the week. {{image_2}} You can make this dish meat-free by swapping the ground beef. Use 1 can of black beans or lentils for protein. These options add great texture and flavor. You can also add chopped mushrooms for an earthy taste. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly. Don't forget to add more mixed vegetables for extra nutrients! To make this casserole gluten-free, pick gluten-free broth and a gluten-free cheese soup. You can also use quinoa instead of rice. Quinoa cooks well and adds a nutty flavor. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this comforting dish. If you like heat, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Mix these in with the ground beef to release their flavors. You can also use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist. For an extra kick, serve with hot sauce on the side. These small changes make the dish exciting and full of flavor! To store your Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have a lot of leftovers, divide them into smaller portions. This makes it easy to grab and reheat later. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through. You can also reheat portions in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals. If you want to save your casserole for later, freezing is a great option. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it as you would with leftovers. Yes, you can use brown rice. It adds a nice texture. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the time. I suggest cooking it partially before mixing it in. This way, it will be tender and absorb the flavors well. To make it dairy-free, swap the cheese soup for a dairy-free version. You can also use plant-based cheese. Check labels for vegan options. This way, you keep the creamy texture without dairy. This casserole goes well with a fresh side salad. You can also serve garlic bread or steamed veggies. These sides add balance to the meal and enhance your dining experience. Enjoy! You learned about the main ingredients for a cheesy hamburger rice casserole and how to customize it. I covered step-by-step instructions for making a perfect casserole, including cooking ground beef and baking for great cheese. I shared tips for fluffy rice and meal prep, plus ways to elevate flavors. We explored variations like vegetarian and gluten-free options. Finally, I discussed storage and reheating tips. This dish is fun to make and enjoy. Get creative with ingredients and flavors!

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

A comforting casserole featuring ground beef, rice, and cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the diced onion until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  • Stir in the condensed cheddar cheese soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Fold in the frozen mixed vegetables and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the rice is cooked through.
  • Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
Keyword beef, casserole, cheese, Rice