Description
Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s quick and easy to prepare? This Cheesy Hamburger and Rice Bake is the perfect answer! Combining ground beef, tender rice, creamy mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and loads of gooey cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder that can be thrown together with simple pantry staples, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. Each bite is packed with savory beef, cheesy goodness, and a touch of tangy tomatoes, offering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This casserole is not only delicious but also budget-friendly, filling, and can easily be made ahead of time. Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spatula to break up the beef as it browns. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is fully browned.
Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Stir in the Rice
Add the uncooked long-grain white rice to the skillet. Stir the rice into the beef and onion mixture, ensuring it is fully coated with the flavors of the beef. This will help the rice cook evenly and absorb the flavors during baking.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed and creamy.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and rice. Stir everything together until the rice, beef, and sauce are evenly distributed. The creamy mixture should coat the rice and beef well.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the beef and rice mixture to your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring the rice is fully submerged in the liquid.
Step 8: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 9: Brown the Top
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top of the casserole to get lightly browned and bubbly. This adds a lovely texture and deepens the flavors.
Step 10: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, if desired
Notes
Cooking Notes:
- Rice: Make sure to use long-grain white rice for the best texture. If you use another type of rice, such as brown rice, you may need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: For a richer flavor, you can use homemade cream of mushroom soup, or if you prefer, substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
- Add More Vegetables: You can add more veggies to the dish, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or even frozen peas, to increase the nutritional value and texture variety.
- Cheese Options: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the cheddar for a sharper cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack to add more depth and a bit of spice.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheesy casserole.
- Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread or garlic bread pairs perfectly to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots to add a healthy element to the meal.
- Toppings: For a Tex-Mex twist, you can top the casserole with sliced jalapeños, extra shredded cheese, or a dollop of guacamole or salsa for a burst of flavor.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: This casserole can easily be prepared ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
- Freezing: You can freeze this casserole before baking for a future meal. To freeze, cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, let the dish thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake as instructed.
- Customize Protein: You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Ground pork or sausage can also be used for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover and microwave or place in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g