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Looking for a simple and tasty meal? This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a winner! Packed with ground beef, rice, beans, and loads of cheese, it’s an easy one-pan dish that your family will love. In just a little over 30 minutes, you can whip up a comforting dinner that brings smiles and satisfaction at the dinner table. Let me guide you step-by-step to make this delicious meal!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food: This dish combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, satisfying casserole that’s perfect for family dinners.
- One-Pan Meal: With minimal cleanup required, this recipe saves you time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences, adding more vegetables or different types of cheese.
- Leftovers Galore: This casserole makes delicious leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep and easy lunches throughout the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup uncooked brown rice
– 1 medium onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Canned and Packaged Ingredients
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (do not drain)
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained
– 1 cup corn (can be frozen or canned)
– 2 cups beef broth
Seasonings and Cheese
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
This casserole shines with its simple yet hearty ingredients. Ground beef gives it a rich flavor that pairs well with the chewy brown rice. The diced tomatoes add a kick, while the black beans boost protein. Corn adds sweetness, making each bite satisfying.
You’ll want two cups of cheddar cheese for that creamy, gooey finish. The chili powder and cumin bring warmth and depth, making every bite a delight. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper for balance.
Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness. These ingredients come together for a meal everyone will love.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
Cooking the Mixture
– Sauté 1 medium onion, finely diced, and 2 cloves of minced garlic until soft.
– Add 1 cup uncooked brown rice, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of black beans, and 1 cup of corn. Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, then stir in 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
Finalizing the Casserole
– Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
– Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
– Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Use uncooked rice for the best texture.
– Stir the mix now and then to stop it from sticking.
Flavor Enhancements
– Add spices like paprika or cayenne for more zest.
– Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for variety.
Presentation Ideas
– Serve it with crunchy tortilla chips for a fun texture.
– Top with fresh cilantro to add color and taste.
Pro Tips
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content in your casserole, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a unique twist on the cheesy topping.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve for a quick meal.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition and add more texture to the dish.

Variations
Ingredient Swaps
– Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
– Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
These swaps keep the dish tasty but can change the nutrition. Ground turkey has less fat than beef. Quinoa and cauliflower rice add fiber and nutrients. They also work great with cheese and spices.
Dietary Adjustments
– Create a vegetarian version by omitting beef and using more beans.
– Make it gluten-free by ensuring broth and other ingredients are certified.
By skipping beef, you can use beans like black or kidney for protein. This change makes it filling and yummy. Always check labels for gluten-free options.
Flavor Combinations
– Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra heat.
– Incorporate a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Bell peppers add crunch and color. Jalapeños give a nice burn. Hot sauce can make every bite exciting. Try these to customize your casserole to your taste.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After you enjoy the casserole, let it cool completely. This helps keep the texture nice. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy the flavors again later.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some for later, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. This dish lasts up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture and taste intact.
Reheating Tips
For the best results, reheat the casserole in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, add a splash of beef broth. This helps keep the casserole moist and flavorful. Enjoy your meal again as if it were fresh out of the oven!
FAQs
How long does it take to make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
Prep time is 15 minutes. The total time is 50 minutes. This recipe serves 6 people.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can use white rice. Just remember that white rice cooks faster.
What can I serve with Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for extra crunch.
This blog post shared an easy recipe for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole. You learned about the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, tips to enhance flavor, and variations for different diets. You can store leftovers or freeze portions too.
Enjoy making this dish as it is filling and fun! With its tasty flavors and simple steps, you’ll want to share it with friends and family. Happy cookin
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Delight
A hearty and cheesy casserole featuring ground beef, rice, and beans.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (do not drain)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (can be frozen or canned)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Incorporate the diced onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are softened and fragrant.
Add the uncooked brown rice, undrained diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Once the mixture is simmering, cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to cook for approximately 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the rice becomes tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
Carefully transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and develops a lightly golden color on top.
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
Serve with crispy tortilla chips or a fresh green salad.
Keyword beef, casserole, cheesy, rice
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