Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines ground beef, rice, cheese, and other flavorful ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed tomato soup
• 1 can (4 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened.
4. Stir in the uncooked rice, beef broth, condensed tomato soup, sliced mushrooms (if using), Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and tender.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and incorporates into the mixture.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

This cheesy hamburger rice casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.TIPS

1. Customize with Vegetables: You can add vegetables to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition. Consider adding diced bell peppers, carrots, peas, or corn. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic before adding the ground beef.
2. Seasoning Variation: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add a pinch of paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning for added depth of flavor.
3. Topping Options: While the recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese, you can try other types of cheese as well. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses can work well. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.
4. Garnish and Serving Suggestions: Once the casserole is baked and ready, you can garnish it with fresh chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color. Serve it as a standalone dish or with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls.
5. Make-Ahead and Freezing: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it for future use. When ready to bake, allow for additional cooking time if the casserole is frozen.
6. Ground Meat Variation: If you prefer a different type of ground meat, such as ground turkey or chicken, you can easily substitute it for the ground beef in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of meat used.

Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipe to your liking. Cooking should be fun, and experimenting with different flavors and ingredients can lead to delightful surprises! Enjoy your cheesy hamburger rice casserole!