Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Cooking brings families and friends together. One memorable family gathering featured a Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole that became an instant favorite. The aroma of ground beef sizzling with onions and garlic filled the kitchen, inviting everyone to come and share a dish steeped in warmth and tradition. As the casserole bubbled in the oven, anticipation grew—this was more than just a meal; it was a celebration of togetherness.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole embodies comfort food at its finest. This dish combines hearty ingredients with a creamy, cheesy finish that satisfies any craving. Every single bite welcomes layers of flavor that allure both young and old alike. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight yet impressive for gatherings, making it the perfect dish for any occasion.

This recipe features common ingredients that transform into an unforgettable experience. As you explore making the Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, you’ll discover how easily you can bring joy and connection to your table through food.

Understanding Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Fundamentals

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole combines the wonderful flavors of ground beef, aromatic garlic, and savory cream of mushroom soup. Each element plays a critical role in creating the casserole’s delicious taste and texture. Ground beef provides a juicy, rich base, while diced onions contribute sweetness and depth.

Long-grain rice absorbs all the flavors around it during cooking, ensuring that every forkful delivers a satisfying mouthful. The beef broth infuses the rice, ensuring that it cooks to perfect tenderness. Cream of mushroom soup enhances the dish’s creaminess, weaving an irresistible texture throughout. And let’s not forget about the cheddar cheese—it melts beautifully, forming a gooey topping that adds to the casserole’s heartwarming appeal.

This recipe is perfect for busy families looking for uncomplicated meals that don’t sacrifice flavor. By letting the oven do most of the work, you have time to catch up with family or prepare a side salad.

Preparation/Setup

The preparation of Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole takes minimal effort without compromising taste. Start by gathering all your ingredients: ground beef, an onion, garlic cloves, long-grain rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and seasonings.

Preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) kicks off the process beautifully, allowing ample time for the casserole to develop those fantastic flavors. Greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish ensures the casserole comes out easily once baked.

Once everything is prepped, cooking the ground beef, onions, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat transforms the raw ingredients into a fragrant mixture. Remember to drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and delightful.

Ingredients

Here’s a full list of what you’ll need for this Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and mushroom soup. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Enhancing the Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Technique

Nailing the cooking technique for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole ensures ideal results. Always brown the ground beef first, bringing out its flavors and allowing the fat to render. Mixing in the onions and garlic after gives them ample time to soften and meld into the beef.

Simmering the rice along with the broth and mushroom soup lets the grains absorb flavors. This step is crucial for a well-rounded taste across the dish. A gentle boil followed by a simmer allows everything to marry beautifully.

Tips/Tricks

Using high-quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in taste. Opt for fresh herbs for garnishing, as their vibrant flavor elevates the overall presentation.

Don’t shy away from adjusting the seasoning to your preference. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or fresh thyme for an aromatic touch. Experimenting with different ingredients keeps the dish exciting.

Perfecting the Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Perfecting Results

To enhance the final result of the Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, ensure you don’t skip the cheese topping. Allowing it to melt and bubble adds a beautiful golden layer for both aesthetics and taste.

For an added twist, try incorporating different cheeses alongside the cheddar, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack. These alternatives can provide a unique flavor profile that complements the dish beautifully.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Common issues like undercooked rice or unevenly melted cheese may arise. If the rice isn’t tender after baking, cover and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.

Consider using other proteins, like ground turkey or chicken, for a lighter option. Adapt the original recipe by substituting ingredients, like brown rice for a nuttier flavor or adding different vegetables to up the nutrition.

Serving and Storing the Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Serving/Presentation

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole shines when served hot from the oven. Present it with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.

Serving in individual portions can also add a fun and modern touch to dinner gatherings. Let each person enjoy their own serving, making the dining experience even cozier.

Pairings/Storage

Pair the casserole with hearty sides such as garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. This combination rounds out the meal and adds variety to the table.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat single portions in the microwave or the oven, adding a sprinkle of cheese on top for an extra cheesy treat.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole encapsulates comfort and community. The ease of making this dish makes it an ideal choice for any gathering. Enjoy the flavors and memories it creates as you share a meal with loved ones.

Making this dish not only nourishes the body but also brings families closer, creating moments that last forever.

Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting and hearty dish that combines ground beef, rice, and a creamy cheddar topping, perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, and mushroom soup. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust seasonings to your preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, comfort food, family dinner, cheesy