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.
🛒 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
💡 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.