Introduction

This BBQ Cheesy Hamburger and Rice Bake is a mouthwatering comfort food casserole that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the rich, smoky taste of BBQ. Imagine juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar cheese layered together and baked to perfection, then topped with crispy fried onions for added crunch. The savory-sweet BBQ sauce ties everything together, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy ranch dressing drizzle. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you’re craving a hearty and flavorful meal. Whether served with extra BBQ or ranch on the side, this bake is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or your preference)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (for drizzling)

For the Dressing (Ranch or BBQ Drizzle):

• 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (optional, for a double BBQ effect)

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Rice

• Begin by cooking 2 cups of rice according to the package instructions. Set it aside once done.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up into crumbles until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
• Drain any excess grease from the beef.

Step 3: Season the Beef

• Once the beef is browned, add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Stir in the BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly on the bottom as the base layer.
• Next, pour the BBQ-flavored ground beef mixture over the rice, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

• Top the casserole with another layer of shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup).
• Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the cheese layer.
• Drizzle ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the entire casserole for an extra burst of smoky sweetness.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Step 7: Prepare the Dressing

• While the casserole is baking, prepare the dressing. For a ranch drizzle, simply use store-bought or homemade ranch dressing.
• If you prefer a double BBQ effect, mix ½ cup of ranch dressing with ¼ cup of BBQ sauce for a tangy-sweet drizzle.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

• Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
• Drizzle ranch dressing or BBQ sauce (or both) over the top just before serving.
• Slice into portions and enjoy!

Cooking Notes:

• BBQ Sauce Variety: Choose a BBQ sauce that suits your taste preferences. A smoky or spicy BBQ sauce will add depth, while a sweet BBQ sauce will give the dish a nice contrast to the savory elements.
• Crispy Onion Tip: If you don’t have store-bought crispy onions, you can make your own by thinly slicing onions, dredging them in flour, and frying them until golden and crispy.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this BBQ Cheesy Hamburger and Rice Bake with a fresh side salad to balance out the richness.
• A side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, would make a great accompaniment.
• For extra indulgence, serve with garlic bread or cornbread to soak up the BBQ sauce.

Tips:

• Meal Prep: This casserole is great for meal prepping. You can assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake it later when you’re ready to serve.
• Freezing Instructions: Prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the toppings. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Cheese Options: While cheddar works well for this recipe, you can also use other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of Mexican-blend cheese for extra flavor.

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 30 minutes

Total Time:

• 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 680
• Protein: 29g
• Sodium: 1200mg

Conclusion

This BBQ Cheesy Hamburger and Rice Bake is a showstopper comfort food dish that brings together all the elements of a classic cheeseburger and barbecue flavors into one satisfying meal. The combination of BBQ-flavored ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions creates a rich, smoky, and savory experience with every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, this casserole is easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you drizzle it with ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or both, this dish is packed with flavor and guaranteed to please any crowd!

BBQ Cheesy Hamburger and Rice Bake Recipe

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 50 minutes

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Ingredients

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For the Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or your preference)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (for drizzling)

For the Dressing (Ranch or BBQ Drizzle):

• 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (optional, for a double BBQ effect)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

• Begin by cooking 2 cups of rice according to the package instructions. Set it aside once done.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up into crumbles until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
• Drain any excess grease from the beef.

Step 3: Season the Beef

• Once the beef is browned, add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Stir in the BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly on the bottom as the base layer.
• Next, pour the BBQ-flavored ground beef mixture over the rice, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

• Top the casserole with another layer of shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup).
• Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the cheese layer.
• Drizzle ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the entire casserole for an extra burst of smoky sweetness.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Step 7: Prepare the Dressing

• While the casserole is baking, prepare the dressing. For a ranch drizzle, simply use store-bought or homemade ranch dressing.
• If you prefer a double BBQ effect, mix ½ cup of ranch dressing with ¼ cup of BBQ sauce for a tangy-sweet drizzle.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

• Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
• Drizzle ranch dressing or BBQ sauce (or both) over the top just before serving.
• Slice into portions and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 680
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Protein: 29g