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Cozy Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

cheesy hamburger rice casserole - featured image

A quick and easy cheesy hamburger rice casserole perfect for family meals, combining ground beef, rice, and melty cheese for a comforting dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds without burning.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add rinsed rice, beef broth, and drained diced tomatoes. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes to start absorbing broth.
  5. Remove from heat. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and sour cream. Fold this cheese mixture gently into the beef and rice mixture.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent gumminess. Brown the beef properly for deeper flavor. Fold cheese and sour cream gently to keep texture light. If rice is not tender after baking, add a splash of broth and cover to finish cooking. The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking. For dairy-free, substitute cheeses and sour cream with non-dairy alternatives. For low-carb, swap rice with cauliflower rice and adjust liquids.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy casserole, hamburger casserole, rice casserole, comfort food, family meals, easy dinner