There’s something magical about casseroles. For me, it started in my grandma’s cozy kitchen, standing on a stool, watching her brown ground beef in her cast iron skillet while the smell of cheese and comfort filled the air. Her cheesy hamburger rice casserole was always a hit, simple, hearty, and packed with love.
Now, as a mom of two little ones, I get the beauty of an easy dish that feeds a crowd and gets zero complaints. This recipe hits every mark, creamy, cheesy, and cozy. With pantry staples and bold flavor, it’s a weeknight favorite (and a Pinterest hit).
Just imagine a golden, bubbly top with melty cheese, tender rice, and savory beef. It’s like a hug in a baking dish, and yes, it’s that good. You’ll want to make it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
This dish is more than just cheese ground beef and rice casserole, it’s a whole experience. Here’s why my readers (and my own kids!) can’t get enough:
- Minimal prep time. Everything comes together with just a few pantry staples and one skillet before hitting the oven. Dinner done in under an hour.
- Budget-friendly ingredients. No fancy stuff here, just ground beef, rice, canned soup, cheese, and tomatoes. Perfect for tight grocery weeks.
- Customizable & family-approved. Picky eaters? Add what they like and skip what they don’t. This recipe plays well with veggies, spice, and more cheese!
- Great as leftovers. Like our Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, this casserole reheats beautifully, making lunch the next day something to look forward to.
And let’s not forget, it looks Pinterest-pretty when served! Golden cheddar on top, creamy center, and just enough rustic charm to get all the “What’s that recipe?!” messages from friends.
What You’ll Need for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Here’s what makes this casserole so crave-worthy:
- 1 lb ground beef – classic, juicy flavor
- ½ cup long-grain white rice – uncooked, for texture
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup – creamy, savory base
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice – adds moisture and zing
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – gooey melt-factor
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
- (Optional: chopped onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth)
Pro tip: For a flavor boost, try subbing in cheddar or pepper jack cheese or mix in some ranch seasoning, just like in our ranch-inspired recipes!
How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
This easy cheesy hamburger rice casserole comes together in under an hour. Here’s how:
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix the base: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes (with their juice), uncooked rice, and seasonings. Optional: add a splash of broth for extra moisture.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice begins to soften.
- Transfer & top: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
- Broil: Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve warm, preferably with a side salad or Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps for a fun contrast.
Serving Suggestions
This ground beef and rice casserole is a full meal on its own, but here are some ways to round it out:
- Fresh salad – A crisp garden salad adds balance.
- Roasted veggies – Think broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
- Garlic bread or biscuits – Sops up all that creamy goodness.
- Topped with hot sauce or sour cream – For a little kick or cool down.
Pair with our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for a fun meal-prep mix-and-match week!
Variations & Customizations
This casserole is super flexible. Here’s how you can make it your own:
- Swap protein: Use ground turkey or sausage.
- Add veggies: Stir in corn, peas, or bell peppers.
- Change the cheese: Cheddar, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack work great.
- Make it Tex-Mex: Add taco seasoning and top with jalapeños.
- Go low-carb: Use riced cauliflower instead of rice.
It’s easy to tailor this to whatever’s in your fridge, or your family’s cravings!
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers? You’re in luck.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave in 1-minute intervals, or cover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.
- Pro tip: Add a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep it creamy.
This dish reheats just as beautifully as our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Pro Tips for Perfect Casserole Every Time
Want next-level flavor and texture?
- Pre-cook the rice if unsure. Some readers say the uncooked rice doesn’t always get tender. If using brown or wild rice, definitely pre-cook it.
- Don’t skip the broiler. It gives that irresistible cheesy crust on top.
- Use a deep skillet. It helps keep everything from spilling as you mix.
- Let it rest. Give the casserole 5–10 minutes after baking to set before slicing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s what can go wrong, and how to avoid it:
- Using too little liquid: If rice isn’t cooking, add extra broth or water.
- Overcooking under broiler: Keep a close eye; cheese browns fast!
- Not seasoning enough: Don’t forget salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Worcestershire.
- Rushing the simmer step: Give the rice time to soften before transferring to the oven.
These tips will help your cheddar-crusted ground beef and rice casserole come out just right, every time.
Final Thoughts
This easy cheesy hamburger rice casserole is everything a family dinner should be, fast, flavorful, filling, and full of memories. Whether you’re feeding toddlers, teens, or guests, it’s always a hit. Keep it in your back pocket for hectic nights, freezer meals, or just whenever you need some cozy kitchen magic.
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe 2025
A cozy, cheesy ground beef and rice casserole packed with savory flavor, family-style warmth, and weeknight ease. Perfect for busy families and budget dinners.
Ingredients
Optional Add-ins
Instructions
- Preheat skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook beef: Brown ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Mix the base: Add cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes (with juice), uncooked rice, and desired seasonings to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer on low for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if rice begins sticking or seems dry.
- Transfer & top: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle mozzarella (or your preferred cheese) over the top.
- Broil to finish: Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 425kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 21g33%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 83mg28%
- Sodium 849mg36%
- Potassium 451mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 28g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Want guaranteed tender rice? Pre-cook your rice or use quick/instant rice for a foolproof bake.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake 10 minutes longer if coming from the fridge.
- Cheese swap idea: Try cheddar for sharpness or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Spice it up: A dash of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of taco seasoning turns this into a Tex-Mex treat.
- Storage: Leftovers keep 4 days in the fridge and reheat well with a splash of broth.
