Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish made with ground beef, cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups, onion, bell pepper, celery, rice, tomatoes, cheese, and more. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to surprise your family with something special – this casserole is sure to become a favorite!

For a complete meal, serve hamburger rice casserole with one of these delicious side dishes. Try our frozen roasted vegetables for a nutritious option.

For something sweet and savory, opt for maple bourbon brussels sprouts. If you’re looking to add some color to your plate, try serving the dish with fresh green beans almondine.

Spoon serving cheesy hamburger casserole.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ground beef rice casserole is an incredibly delicious and comforting dish. It’s one of those classic dishes that never seems to get old, no matter how many times you make it.

The combination of ground beef, rice, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken, and creamy mushroom soup makes for a hearty meal that’s sure to please any appetite.

This cheesy beef casserole has so many variations and is completely customizable, so you can adjust it to your tastes. Add your favorite cream soup, toss in your favorite veggies, and sprinkle on your favorite flavor of shredded cheese and you’re in business!

How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F, and lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic with the salt and pepper until the beef is cooked through.
Drain any excess grease then add the tomato paste. Stir well to combine, and remove from heat.

Cooked ground beef and onions in a skillet.

Ground beef, peppers, onion, and tomato paste in a skillet.

Combine the diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, cooked rice, and Worcestershire sauce in a large mixing bowl.
Add the meat mixture to the soup mixture. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed. Pour the ingredients into the baking dish.

Cream of soups, rice, diced tomatoes, and seasonings in a bowl.

Ground beef stirred together with casserole filling.

Cover, and bake for 15 minutes. After the time is up, take the foil off and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese melts. Serve warm!

Rice and hamburger casserole in a white baking dish.

Cheese sprinkled over casserole filling.

Tips for Success:

Use fresh bell pepper, onion, celery, and garlic for the best flavor.
Made sure to pre-cook the hamburger before adding it to the casserole mix. The ground beef should be cooked through with no pink remaining before its added to the soup mixture.
Choose a cheese that melts easily and adds flavor, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss
Add extra herbs and spices to give your casserole extra depth of flavor.
Use pre-cooked long-grain rice or Jasmine rice instead of instant rice for a better texture.
Toast bread crumbs and sprinkle over top before baking for crunchy texture contrast
For a creamier consistency add a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or heavy cream.
If you like spicy food, add some diced jalapenos or chili peppers.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving so the casserole can set up.

How to Store Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:

Refrigerator: Leftover casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. To store, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Freezer: Hamburger rice casserole stores well in the freezer for about 2 months, but the texture may change slightly. To do this, make sure to allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.

Thawing and Reheating: Place the casserole in the refrigerator overnight or until fully thawed. Once thawed, warm up leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Top down view of a cheesy casserole with rice and ground beef.

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

Yes, the rice should be cooked before adding it to the casserole. Pre-cooked long-grain rice or Jasmine rice is recommended for a better texture. Cook the rice according to package directions and add to the casserole as directed in the recipe.

Can you use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works in this recipe. Since you’re using cooked rice, simply swap it out.

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

This casserole is really simple, so just substitute one ingredient for another that you love!

You’ll need 2 cans of cream soup (chicken, mushroom, celery, etc.). Use two that you enjoy!
Hate bell peppers? Add some corn, peas, carrots, mushrooms, etc.
Can’t have onions or garlic? Use garlic powder or onion powder, or leave them out altogether.
Don’t have diced tomatoes? Use the same size canned tomatoes just another preparation.

Melted cheese over a rice and ground beef casserole.

Other Dinner Recipes to Try: