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A close-up of a cheesy hamburger rice casserole, bubbling hot from the oven.

Elevated Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

This elevated cheesy hamburger rice casserole combines seasoned ground beef with rice, creamy soups, and sharp cheddar for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef 85/15 preferred
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 2-3 garlic minced
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup 10.75 ounce
  • 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup 10.75 ounce
  • 1 cup beef broth low sodium
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounce, undrained
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Optional
  • smoked paprika Optional: Pinch
  • Fresh chopped parsley or chives Optional: for garnish

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, then drain excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Stir in both condensed soups, beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, uncooked rice, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and optional Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika.
Cooking
  1. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  3. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  4. Return casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and rice is tender, optionally broiling for a crispy top.
  5. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving; garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking. Adjust seasoning to taste after the casserole has rested.