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Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

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This easy one-pot casserole combines ground beef, tender rice, veggies, and plenty of gooey cheddar cheese for a comforting family dinner. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked, if desired)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
  • Crushed tortilla chips or French fried onions (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until onion is soft and fragrant.
  4. Stir in uncooked rice, salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano. Toast rice for 1 minute.
  5. Transfer beef mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Add beef broth, drained diced tomatoes, and frozen peas or mixed vegetables. Stir to combine.
  6. Fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream or Greek yogurt (if using). Mix well.
  7. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  8. Remove foil, stir casserole, and sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese on top.
  9. Return to oven, uncovered, and bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden and rice is fully cooked.
  10. Let casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, green onions, or crunchy toppings if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free broth. Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for dietary needs. Brown rice or cauliflower rice can be substituted, but adjust bake time. Mix half the cheese into the casserole for creaminess and sprinkle the rest on top for a gooey finish. Let the casserole rest before serving for best texture. Leftovers taste even better and freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy casserole, hamburger rice casserole, ground beef recipe, one pot dinner, family meal, comfort food, easy casserole, oven baked, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/cheesy-hamburger-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-one-pot-family-dinner/