Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole – Comfort Food for Any Occasion

There’s something irresistibly cozy about a cheesy hamburger rice casserole. Perfect for weeknight family dinners, potlucks, or even casual holiday meals, this dish combines savory ground beef, tender rice, and gooey melted cheese into a hearty one-dish meal that pleases both kids and adults.

With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and vibrant colors from vegetables, it’s a complete meal in itself. You can make it ahead of time, bake it until golden, and serve it straight from the oven for a warm, comforting experience.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual Sunday dinner, this casserole brings ease, flavor, and nostalgia to the table — all in one cheesy, savory bite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Sauté vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Add seasonings: Stir in paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat beef and vegetables.
5. Combine rice and tomatoes: Add uncooked rice and diced tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet. Stir until evenly combined.
6. Add broth: Pour in beef broth, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes. The liquid will absorb slightly before baking.
7. Assemble casserole: Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly on top.
8. Bake: Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh vegetables for a brighter flavor.
• Cheese mix: Combine sharp cheddar with mozzarella for gooey, melty texture and rich flavor.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice works best; pre-rinsing can prevent sticking.
• Make-ahead: Assemble casserole a day ahead and refrigerate; add 5–10 extra minutes to bake time if cold.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with garlic bread or soft dinner rolls.
• Top with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

A hearty, cheesy casserole with ground beef, rice, vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 onion diced
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Casserole dish
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Add uncooked rice and diced tomatoes. Mix evenly.
6. Pour in beef broth, stir, and simmer 2–3 minutes.
7. Transfer mixture to casserole dish. Sprinkle cheeses on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
9. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

Pre-rinse rice to prevent sticking. Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for best melt and flavor.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freeze baked casserole in portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Variations

• Vegetable-packed: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for extra nutrients.
• Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Cheesy variety: Experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack cheese.
• Ground meat swap: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

FAQ

Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes — reduce the broth slightly and shorten baking time to prevent overcooking.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Absolutely — assemble and freeze before baking, or bake first and freeze leftovers.