Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and melted cheese into one delicious bake. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole brings simple ingredients together into something really satisfying. It’s a one-pan dish that doesn’t require a ton of cleanup, and it’s packed with flavor thanks to the seasoned beef, cheesy topping, and mix of veggies. I can easily make it ahead, store leftovers, and even tweak it based on what I have in the fridge. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and always a hit.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s browned. I drain any excess fat.
I add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté them until they’re tender, about 5 minutes. Then I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
I stir in the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce until it’s all combined.
I season everything with paprika, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. I bring the mixture to a boil.
I reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
I stir in the frozen peas and carrots and let them cook for about 5 minutes.
I remove the skillet from the heat and mix in half the shredded cheese.
I transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
I bake it uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
I let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
For a healthier twist, I swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa.
If I want to change up the flavor, I use mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar.
I’ve added mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach before for extra veggies.
To spice it up, I toss in some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If I want to keep it longer, I freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, I use the microwave for a quick meal or pop it in the oven until it’s heated through. If frozen, I thaw it overnight in the fridge first. Adding a splash of broth before reheating helps keep it moist.

FAQs

How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

I prep everything through the stovetop steps and store it in the fridge before baking. When it’s time to cook, I just add a few extra minutes in the oven to make sure it heats through.

Can I use instant rice?

I stick to long-grain rice because it holds up better, but if I’m using instant rice, I adjust the cooking time and use less liquid to prevent it from turning mushy.

What sides go well with this casserole?

I usually serve it with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread. It’s already a full meal, but the extras round it out nicely.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, I just leave out the ground beef and add extra veggies or a plant-based meat substitute. I also swap in vegetable broth for the beef broth.

How do I keep it from drying out when reheating?

I always cover it with foil and add a splash of broth or water before reheating in the oven. That keeps the casserole from drying out and brings back the creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole has become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and completely customizable. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or looking for a meal I can make ahead and reheat, this dish always delivers. I love how it turns everyday ingredients into something that feels special and satisfying.