Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole, especially one that combines ground beef, rice, and a medley of flavors. This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole has been a staple in my kitchen for years, perfect for busy weeknights or those special family gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple to prepare, and the best part? It brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This casserole isn’t just another dinner option; it’s a game changer for busy families or anyone looking for a delicious and fulfilling meal. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and kid-approved, making it perfect for weeknight dinners after a long day. With minimal prep and just one pot to clean, you can focus on enjoying time with your loved ones rather than slaving over the stove.
"This dish was a huge hit with my kids! They loved the cheesy goodness, and I loved how easy it was to make. We’ll definitely be keeping this in our dinner rotation!" – Happy Home Cook
Preparing Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Making this casserole is straightforward and quite forgiving. The beauty lies in its simplicity—you’ll start by sautéing ground beef and onions, then mix in the rice and a flavorful concoction of broth, soup, and spices. It all comes together in a single skillet, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as it cooks. You’ll be enjoying a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal before you know it!
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking process, gather these essential ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner version or swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a homemade béchamel if you’re feeling fancy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Heat Things Up: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the tablespoon of olive oil. Allow it to heat up.
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Sauté the Onions: Introduce the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
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Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef into the skillet with the onions, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, draining any excess fat if necessary.
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Season It Right: Stir in the garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix well to combine the seasonings with the beef and onion.
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In Goes the Rice: Add the uncooked white rice into the skillet, stirring well to coat it with the beef and onion mixture.
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Combine with Liquids: Pour in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir everything together to combine.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
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Final Touches: Once the rice is ready, remove the skillet from heat. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, stirring until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy.
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Taste and Serve: Adjust the seasoning as needed, and serve hot. Enjoy your cheesy hamburger rice casserole!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
While the casserole is delicious on its own, consider pairing it with a fresh side salad or some steamed veggies for a balanced meal. A dollop of guacamole or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can also elevate the dish and add a pop of flavor. For a fun twist, serve it in individual ramekins for a family-style presentation.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers are a breeze with this dish! To store, let the casserole cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. It’s best kept in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Make sure it is completely cooled before placing it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.
Helpful Cooking Tips
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Make It Ahead: This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Prepare it the night before, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if refrigerated.
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Experiment with Cheese: Try using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick. The cheesy element is so versatile!
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Sauté Your Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies such as bell peppers or corn to boost the nutritional value and add color.
Creative Twists
The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility. Here are some fun variations:
- Mexican Style: Incorporate taco seasoning instead of oregano and top with diced avocado and sour cream for a Mexican twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for black beans or lentils, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it plant-based.
- Herbed Delight: Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Your Questions Answered
How long does this casserole take to prepare?
The total time for preparation and cooking is about 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just ensure you adjust your cooking time if it’s chilled.
What can I replace the cream of mushroom soup with?
You can use a homemade sauce or a different type of canned soup, such as cream of chicken or even cream of celery, if you’re looking for alternatives.
With its creamy texture, hearty flavors, and easy preparation, this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is sure to become a beloved dish in your household. Enjoy!
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat up.
- Introduce the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Add the ground beef into the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, draining any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper, mixing well to combine the seasonings with the beef and onion.
- Add the uncooked white rice into the skillet, stirring to coat it with the beef and onion mixture.
- Pour in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, stirring everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Once the rice is ready, remove the skillet from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, stirring until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed and serve hot.
