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A close-up of a delicious Hamburger Rice Casserole, showcasing its cheesy topping and savory ground beef filling.

Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole

This easy hamburger rice casserole is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights. It features seasoned ground beef, rice, and a creamy cheese sauce, baked until bubbly and golden brown. This recipe avoids common pitfalls like mushy rice and greasy sauce, resulting in a satisfying and well-balanced dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup cooked long-grain or parboiled rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
  6. Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the beef mixture. Pour the soup mixture over the rice and beef. Stir to combine.
  7. Stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  8. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped green onions, sour cream, or hot sauce.

Notes

For a spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.