Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole Recipe for Comforting Weeknight Meals

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole combines savory browned ground beef with aromatic onions, bell pepper, and celery, layered into a creamy base of canned soups, diced tomatoes, and pre-cooked rice. A final blanket of shredded cheddar melts to a golden finish, creating a hearty, family-friendly dish.

It’s versatile: swap vegetables, change the soup flavors, or use your preferred melting cheese to tailor it to your tastes. The recipe scales easily and reheats well for leftovers.

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound lean ground beef with a diced small white onion, 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper, 1/2 cup chopped celery, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are softened.
3. Drain excess grease, stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste, then remove the skillet from the heat.

4. In a large bowl, mix one 14½-ounce can drained petite diced tomatoes, one 10½-ounce can cream of mushroom soup, one 10½-ounce can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup cooked long-grain rice, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
5. Add the beef and vegetable mixture to the soup-rice mixture, stirring until combined. Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered 5–10 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving so it firms up slightly. Serve warm.

Tips for Success:

• Use fresh vegetables—bell pepper, onion, and celery—for the best texture and flavor.
• Cook the ground beef thoroughly before combining it with the soups; there should be no pink remaining.
• Choose a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or mozzarella, or mix cheeses for extra flavor.
• Boost seasoning with herbs like oregano, thyme, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Use pre-cooked long-grain or Jasmine rice for a better texture than instant rice.
• For a crunchy topping, toast breadcrumbs and sprinkle them over the casserole before the final bake.
• To make it creamier, fold in a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or heavy cream to the soup mixture.
• If you like heat, add diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Allow the casserole to rest a few minutes after baking so it sets and is easier to serve.

How to Store Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:

Refrigerator: Cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Freezer: Cool the casserole completely, then freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to two months. Texture may change slightly after freezing.

Thawing and Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Should the rice be cooked before adding it to the casserole?

Yes. Use pre-cooked long-grain or Jasmine rice for the best texture. Cook the rice according to package directions, then fold it into the casserole mixture.

Can you use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes. Brown rice works fine—just be sure it’s fully cooked before adding, as brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time.

What if I don’t like one of the ingredients?

This recipe is flexible. Swap or omit ingredients to suit preferences or dietary needs:

• Use different canned soups such as cream of celery or a lower-sodium variety.
• Replace bell pepper with corn, peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
• If you avoid fresh onion or garlic, use onion or garlic powder or leave them out.
• Substitute canned diced tomatoes with a similar-sized can of crushed or Rotel-style tomatoes, depending on your taste.

Like this recipe?

If you make it, leave a rating and a comment to let others know how it turned out!