Looking for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner with minimal ingredients? This Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a nostalgic, family style dish that brings cozy vibes to the dinner table. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, it’s hearty, creamy, and topped with gooey melted cheese; the kind of meal everyone asks for seconds of!
This recipe is based on my grandma’s old school version that she called “hamburger jazz.” She always used slices of American cheese, but I love swapping in shredded mozzarella for that perfect cheesy pull. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to meal prep something simple, this casserole delivers on both flavor and ease.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- 5 Simple Ingredients
- Super cheesy and creamy
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Great for weeknight dinners or potlucks
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- ½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or American cheese)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2Combine the Ingredients: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes (with juice), and uncooked rice. Mix everything well.
3Simmer Until Rice is Tender: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
4Add Cheese & Broil: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Transfer the beef and rice mixture into a casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
5Melt the Cheese: Place the dish under the broiler just until the cheese is melted and slightly golden, about 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully!
6Serve & Enjoy: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then dig in while it’s hot and cheesy.
Tips & Variations
- Swap the mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier twist.
- Want it extra creamy? Add a splash of milk or an extra half can of cream soup.
- This dish reheats beautifully; perfect for leftovers!
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 10.75 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with juice
- ½ cup long grain white rice uncooked
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese or American cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with juice, and uncooked rice.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until rice is cooked, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat broiler. Transfer mixture into a casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Broil until cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 1–2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
- Try using cheddar or Colby Jack for more flavor.
- Can be made ahead and reheated later.
