An elegant, comforting riff on a classic, Deliciously Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole marries tender ground beef, long-grain rice, and melting cheese into a glossy, savory bake. The casserole balances creamy richness with a crisp, golden top and a whisper of fresh herbs for lift. Serve it alongside a warm slice of cheesy garlic bread to complete a refined weeknight dinner.
Why Make This Recipe:
- Effortless Yet Elegant: comes together in one pan and finishes in the oven for a polished presentation.
- Minimal Ingredients: pantry-friendly staples create layered, generous flavor.
- Impressive Flavor: caramelized beef, seasoned tomato-simmered sauce, and molten cheese deliver depth beyond a basic casserole.
What elevates this version is attention to texture—properly toasted rice, a glossy sauce that clings, and a crisp cheese crust—plus a finishing sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten each bite.
Ingredients:
Base
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef — preferably 80/20 for flavor; drain excess fat if needed.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed — rinsing removes extra starch for separate, fluffy grains.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth, hot.
Sauce
- 1 small onion, finely diced (about 3/4 cup) — translucent, not browned.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — add late to avoid bitterness.
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained slightly.
- 1 cup tomato sauce.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, plus extra for browning — grate from a block for best melt.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped — for garnish.
Optional precision notes: butter at room temperature; fresh herbs finely chopped; cheese grated and cold for even melting.
How to Make Deliciously Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until just caramelized, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove excess fat, leaving a thin coating to carry flavor. (Mini-tip: reserve a tablespoon of fat for browning the onions if desired.)
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes; add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. You should smell a sweet, savory aroma and see the onions turn glossy.
- Stir in the rice and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes until the edges look translucent; this step helps the grains remain distinct after baking. (Mini-tip: deglaze the pan with a splash of broth to capture browned bits.)
- Pour in the hot broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine; the mixture should be saucy but not soupy. Bring to a gentle simmer and adjust seasoning.
- Scatter 1 cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the top, dot with room-temperature butter, then transfer the skillet (or pour into the prepared baking dish) to the oven.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the rice is tender and the cheese forms a golden, bubbling crust. The top should be deeply golden at the edges and slightly blistered in spots.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest 5–10 minutes—this resting time lets the casserole set and the flavors marry. Finish with a scattering of fresh parsley and extra grated cheddar if desired. (Mini-tip: a quick broil for 1–2 minutes will crisp the cheese further; watch closely to avoid burning.)
How to Serve Deliciously Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:
Plate the casserole in shallow bowls to showcase the glossy, molten cheese and tender rice. For a refined touch, serve with thinly sliced pickled cucumbers or a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness. Pair with a warm slice of cheesy garlic bread recipe for contrast in texture and an indulgent finish.
How to Store Deliciously Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:
Cool the casserole to room temperature within an hour, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat while preserving texture, warm single portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 12–15 minutes, uncovered, or microwave briefly then broil 1–2 minutes to revive a crisp top. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Deliciously Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole:
- Use hot broth when combining with rice to maintain oven time and consistent texture.
- Grate cheese from a block and keep it cold—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melt.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to firm up; it slices cleaner and plates more elegantly.
- For a glossy sauce, avoid over-draining tomatoes—leave a bit of liquid to enrich the rice as it bakes.
Variation (if any):
Elevate the casserole with fine adjustments: swap ground beef for a blend of beef and pork for added juiciness; stir in 1/2 cup roasted corn or diced roasted red pepper for color and sweetness; finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a few thyme leaves for a more European profile. For an upscale presentation, bake in individual ramekins and top each with a single basil leaf.
FAQs:
How long does the casserole keep its texture after baking?
Stored correctly in the refrigerator, the casserole maintains good texture for 2–3 days; crisp the top under a broiler when reheating to restore contrast.
Can I use brown rice or another grain?
You can substitute parboiled brown rice but increase the liquid and bake time; alternatively use pre-cooked rice and reduce broth to avoid a soupy result.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes. Portion and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating and briefly broil to refresh the cheese crust.
Conclusion (70–180 words):
This Deliciously Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole blends familiar flavors with refined technique—caramelized beef, precisely cooked rice, and a golden cheese crust—for a comforting yet elegant meal. The simple ingredient list and thoughtful steps make it accessible for a weeknight, yet its presentation and texture hold up for casual entertaining. If you enjoy exploring variations or pairing ideas, the linked classic offers a complementary perspective: Hamburger & Rice Casserole – South Your Mouth. Share your adjustments or serving suggestions in the comments and on social media; how would you make this dish your own?
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Deliciously Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
An elegant and comforting casserole featuring tender ground beef, long-grain rice, and melting cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, preferably 80/20
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth, hot
- 1 small onion, finely diced (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained slightly
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until just caramelized, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and remove excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes; add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the hot broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Scatter 1 cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the top, dot with butter, then transfer to the oven.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the rice is tender and the cheese forms a golden crust.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes. Finish with fresh parsley and extra cheddar if desired.
Notes
Let the casserole rest after baking to slice cleaner. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg