Description
Cheesy hamburger rice casserole brings comfort and satisfaction to dinner tables across America. Ground beef, rice, and melted cheese combine for a hearty meal that hungry families will devour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups (400 g) cooked rice
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk or beef broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (75 g) frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 cup (75 g) chopped bell pepper or mushrooms (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350F (175C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, simultaneously sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic until meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture, then season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano, allowing spices to infuse for 1-2 minutes.
- Whisk cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and milk in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
- Incorporate cooked rice, seasoned beef mixture, peas, and bell peppers into the soup base, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Generously top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a uniform layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and golden-brown cheese crust.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps it set and makes portioning easier.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative that maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
- Replace cream-based soups with homemade versions or low-sodium alternatives to reduce sodium and control ingredient quality.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or carrots to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced one-dish meal.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and a more nutritious foundation that complements the rich cheese and meat flavors.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 428 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg