Chili Cheese Hamburger and Rice Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines the bold flavors of chili, savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese into one hearty dish. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, where the rich flavors of seasoned beef, tangy tomatoes, and spices marry with the textures of crispy Frito chips and gooey cheddar cheese. Topped with a dollop of sour cream and diced onions, this meal is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. This all-in-one dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans (undrained)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix (or homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (more for topping)
Topping:
- 2 cups Frito chips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing:
- Sour cream
- Diced onions
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is no longer pink, add the diced onions and garlic. Sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3:
Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then stir in the chili seasoning mix. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom and become aromatic.
Step 4:
Add the uncooked rice, undrained chili beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth (or water) to the skillet. Stir to combine everything well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 5:
Once the rice is fully cooked, transfer the chili beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly across the dish.
Step 6:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chili rice mixture. Next, add a generous layer of Frito chips on top of the cheese. Finish by adding another layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the chips.
Step 7:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the Frito chips are golden and crispy.
Step 8:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Top each portion with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of diced onions for extra flavor and texture.
Cooking Note:
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or more cayenne pepper to the chili beef mixture.
- To save time, you can cook the rice separately and add it at the end before baking.
- If you prefer a different type of meat, ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute for ground beef.
Serving Suggestions:
This Chili Cheese Hamburger and Rice Bake is a complete meal in itself, but you can serve it with a few complementary side dishes to enhance the experience. Consider pairing it with:
- A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the bake.
- Cornbread or garlic bread on the side to soak up the flavors.
- Sliced avocados or guacamole for a creamy, cool contrast.
Tips:
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or more beans and vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Batch cooking: This dish freezes well, so you can double the recipe and freeze half for a busy night. Be sure to bake the casserole before freezing and allow it to cool completely. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.
- Frito substitution: If you don’t have Frito chips, you can substitute with tortilla chips or crushed Ritz crackers for a similar crunch.
- Cheese options: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 40 minutes
Total Time:
- 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 26g
- Sodium: 890mg
Conclusion:
Chili Cheese Hamburger and Rice Bake is the epitome of a crowd-pleasing dish that delivers on flavor, texture, and convenience. The combination of spiced beef, tender rice, crunchy chips, and melted cheese is irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a potluck, or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to bring warmth and joy to the table. Don’t forget to finish it off with a touch of sour cream and diced onions for a refreshing contrast that ties everything together!
Print
Chili Cheese Hamburger and Rice Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans (undrained)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix (or homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (more for topping)
Topping:
- 2 cups Frito chips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing:
- Sour cream
- Diced onions
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is no longer pink, add the diced onions and garlic. Sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3:
Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then stir in the chili seasoning mix. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom and become aromatic.
Step 4:
Add the uncooked rice, undrained chili beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth (or water) to the skillet. Stir to combine everything well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 5:
Once the rice is fully cooked, transfer the chili beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly across the dish.
Step 6:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chili rice mixture. Next, add a generous layer of Frito chips on top of the cheese. Finish by adding another layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the chips.
Step 7:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the Frito chips are golden and crispy.
Step 8:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Top each portion with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of diced onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 890mg
- Protein: 26g