Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, and rice, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This hearty casserole is a family favorite that’s both filling and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- ½ cup long grain white rice
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Crumble the ground beef into a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until evenly browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Step 2: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with their juice, and the uncooked rice.
- Step 3: Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Preheat the oven’s broiler. Transfer the contents of the skillet to a casserole dish.
- Step 5: Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 6: Broil until the cheese is melted and golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a mushroom-free version, substitute cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom.
- Try using brown rice, but increase the simmering time to ensure it cooks fully.
- Add diced onions or bell peppers to the ground beef while cooking for extra flavor.
- Top with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a sharper taste.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Broiling again is optional to refresh the melted cheese topping.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use the oven instead of the skillet for cooking this casserole?
Yes, you can brown the ground beef in a skillet and then combine all ingredients in a casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is cooked. Add cheese and broil at the end.
Is it possible to substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe?
Yes, brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to increase the simmering time and check for doneness, as brown rice takes longer to soften than white rice.
Print
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole featuring browned ground beef simmered with cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes, and rice, topped with melted mozzarella cheese broiled to perfection. This hearty casserole is perfect for a family dinner, combining creamy, savory flavors with a cheesy crust.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- ½ cup long grain white rice
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Crumble the ground beef into a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until the meat is evenly browned. Drain off any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with their juice, and uncooked rice into the skillet with the browned beef. Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked, approximately 15 minutes.
- Prepare for Broiling: Preheat the oven’s broiler to high. Once the rice has finished cooking, transfer the contents of the skillet to a casserole dish evenly.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the casserole under the preheated broiler, broil until the cheese is melted and has a toasty, golden appearance, typically 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Season and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm. Enjoy your cheesy hamburger rice casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup if you prefer not to use mushroom soup, though it will change the flavor slightly.
- Using brown rice instead of white rice is possible but will require a longer simmering time to cook through completely.
- The broiler step melts the cheese quickly and creates a toasty, crispy cheese crust on top, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Drain the cooked ground beef well to reduce excess grease and improve the dish’s texture and fat content.
- Adjust salt and pepper at the end to taste; canned ingredients can add some saltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy hamburger rice casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner casserole, cheese and rice casserole
