If you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal that the whole family will love, this Hamburger Rice Casserole recipe is your answer. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a satisfying dish with minimal effort and cleanup. With simple ingredients like ground beef, rice, and cheese, this casserole comes together in one skillet, making it an easy and delicious weeknight dinner. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this hearty casserole checks all the boxes.

What is Hamburger Rice Casserole?

Hamburger Rice Casserole is a versatile and easy one-pan dish combining ground beef, tender rice, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, all topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a great balance of protein, carbs, and rich cheesy goodness. This dish is reminiscent of classic American casseroles that are comforting, filling, and designed to feed a crowd. The best part? It requires just a few staple ingredients and takes under 30 minutes to prepare!

Ingredients for Hamburger Rice Casserole

To create this savory casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry:

1 tablespoon cooking oil – This helps to sauté the beef and onions.
1 pound ground beef – We used 93/7 lean ground beef, but you can adjust the fat content to your preference.
½ cup white onion, finely chopped – Adds flavor and aroma.
2 ¼ cups low-sodium beef broth – Provides moisture for cooking the rice and deepens the savory flavor.
½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice – The rice cooks directly in the pan, absorbing all the rich flavors.
¼ cup tomato paste – Thickens the casserole and adds a robust, tangy tomato flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the onion flavor without the bulk of more chopped onions.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth and savory notes.
1 teaspoon chili powder – For a touch of heat and flavor complexity.
½ teaspoon salt – Helps season the entire dish.
¼ teaspoon ground cumin – Adds warmth and a slight earthiness.
¼ teaspoon dried oregano – Gives a mild herbal touch.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – For a bit of spice.
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – The finishing touch, making the casserole cheesy and delicious.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these simple steps to create your flavorful Hamburger Rice Casserole:

Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onions. Cook until the beef is browned and no pink remains, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet and return the beef mixture to the pan.
Add the Rice and Seasoning
Stir in the beef broth, uncooked rice, tomato paste, and all the seasonings—onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the rice and seasonings are evenly distributed.
Simmer to Cook the Rice
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the mixture cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. The casserole is ready when the rice is tender, and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Add the Cheese
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese.
Serve Warm
Your casserole is now ready to serve! Scoop generous portions onto plates and serve with your favorite side dish.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large skillet with a lid
Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and knife for chopping the onion

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the rice: Keep an eye on the rice as it simmers. If you overcook it, the rice can become mushy. Check the texture around the 20-minute mark.
Undercooking the beef: Make sure there’s no pink left in the ground beef before adding the rice and broth.
Skipping the cheese melt: Allow the cheese to melt thoroughly by covering the skillet after adding the cheese. This creates a nice gooey top layer that makes the dish irresistible.

Variations of Hamburger Rice Casserole

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some variations to try:

Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables like diced bell peppers, corn, or peas. You can stir them in during the simmering stage to cook them along with the rice.
Spice It Up: For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Swap the Rice: You can substitute the white rice with brown rice or even quinoa. Just keep in mind that brown rice may require a longer cooking time and more liquid.

How to Serve Hamburger Rice Casserole

This casserole is a meal in itself, but you can complement it with some simple sides:

Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: Serve with buttery garlic bread to mop up any extra sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or carrots pair beautifully with the flavors of the casserole.

Storage and Leftover Tips

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish reheats beautifully!

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Pairing Suggestions for Hamburger Rice Casserole

Serve this casserole with a refreshing drink like iced tea, lemonade, or even a sparkling water with a splash of citrus. The tangy flavors help cut through the richness of the cheese and beef.

Presentation Ideas for Hamburger Rice Casserole

For a casual family dinner, you can serve the casserole directly from the skillet. For a more polished presentation, spoon the casserole into a large serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. You can even add a few jalapeño slices on top if your family likes a little extra spice!