Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

2. Step 2

   While the oven warms up, take a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread a generous layer of shredded cabbage evenly across the bottom.

3. Step 3

   Next, sprinkle uncooked rice over the cabbage, creating a delightful base for your casserole.

4. Step 4

   Now, let’s move to the skillet! Heat it over medium heat and add in the ground beef.

5. Step 5

   Cook it, stirring frequently, until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

6. Step 6

   Don’t forget to drain any excess grease to keep your dish light and tasty.

7. Step 7

   Once the beef is ready, toss in the chopped onion, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and thyme.

8. Step 8

   Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion turns a lovely translucent color.

9. Step 9

   To elevate the flavors, season the mixture with a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper.

10. Step 10

    Now it’s time to assemble your casserole! Spoon the savory beef mixture over the rice and cabbage in the baking dish.

11. Step 11

    For a burst of flavor, break up the whole tomatoes with your hands and pour them over the beef.

12. Step 12

    Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in all those delicious flavors.

13. Step 13

    Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the wonderful juices.

14. Step 14

    When the time is up, carefully remove the foil and layer slices of American cheese over the top of the casserole.

15. Step 15

    Allow it to stand for 15 to 20 minutes; this will give the cheese time to melt and soak up some of the delicious juices below.

16. Step 16

    And there you have it—a comforting, hearty casserole that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds! Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish.