Cheesy Hamburger Stew with Rice: A Comforting One-Pot Meal

Italian Chef Team

1 month ago

Cheesy Hamburger Stew with Rice: A Comforting One-Pot Meal

Are you searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and easy to make? Look no further than this cheesy hamburger stew with rice! This one-pot meal is packed with flavor, protein, and carbohydrates, making it a complete and satisfying dish for any night of the week. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you crave a warm and cheesy bowl of goodness. This recipe combines the savory goodness of a hamburger stew with the creamy indulgence of cheese and the satisfying texture of rice. Get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

## Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Stew with Rice

This recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **One-Pot Wonder:** Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks in a single pot, saving you time and effort.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, savory flavor.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** Perfect for a chilly evening or when you just need a comforting meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious stew:

* **Ground Beef:** The foundation of our stew. Use lean ground beef (85/15) to minimize grease.
* **Onion and Garlic:** Aromatics that add depth of flavor.
* **Carrots and Celery:** Classic stew vegetables for added texture and nutrition.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** Provide acidity and moisture for the stew.
* **Beef Broth:** The liquid base of the stew, adding richness and flavor.
* **Tomato Paste:** Concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the stew.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** Adds a savory, umami flavor.
* **Dried Oregano and Thyme:** Herbs that complement the beef and vegetables.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the stew to perfection.
* **Long-Grain Rice:** Adds body and substance to the stew. (Basmati or Jasmine works well)
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** The star of the show! Use a good quality cheddar for best flavor.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.

**Detailed Ingredient List:**

* 1 pound lean ground beef
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
* 2 stalks celery, diced
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 4 cups beef broth
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, sour cream

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect cheesy hamburger stew with rice:

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**

* In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the browned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients (Except Cheese and Rice)**

* Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
* Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

**Step 4: Add the Rice and Simmer**

* Stir in the uncooked rice. Make sure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
* Cover the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

**Step 5: Stir in the Cheese**

* Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and creamy.

**Step 6: Serve and Garnish (Optional)**

* Ladle the cheesy hamburger stew with rice into bowls.
* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Success

* **Use Lean Ground Beef:** This will minimize the amount of grease in your stew. If you’re using a higher fat content ground beef, be sure to drain off the excess grease after browning.
* **Don’t Overcook the Rice:** Overcooked rice will become mushy. Check the rice for doneness around 20 minutes and adjust cooking time as needed.
* **Use Good Quality Cheese:** The flavor of the cheese will greatly impact the overall taste of the stew. Choose a good quality cheddar cheese for the best results. Sharp cheddar will give the most pronounced cheesy flavor.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Taste the stew before adding the cheese and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the cheese will also add some saltiness.
* **Simmer Gently:** Simmering the stew gently will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Avoid boiling the stew, as this can cause the rice to become mushy.
* **Shred Your Own Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Shredding your own cheese ensures a creamier, smoother result.

## Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is easily customizable to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, corn, green beans, or potatoes.
* **Use Different Meat:** Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Ensure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** Use dairy-free cheese shreds and a dairy-free butter substitute for sautéing the vegetables.
* **Add Beans:** A can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or black beans adds extra protein and fiber.
* **Make it in a Slow Cooker:** Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Add the cooked rice before serving.

## Serving Suggestions

This cheesy hamburger stew with rice is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

* **Serve with a Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
* **Serve with Crusty Bread:** Perfect for soaking up the delicious stew juices.
* **Top with Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** Adds a tangy and creamy element.
* **Garnish with Fresh Herbs:** Chopped fresh parsley, chives, or cilantro add a pop of freshness and flavor.
* **Add a Side of Cornbread:** A classic pairing with stew.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the stew (without the cheese) up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave, then stir in the cheese just before serving.
* **Storage:** Store leftover cheesy hamburger stew with rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
* **Freezing:** While this stew can be frozen, the texture of the rice may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Add a little extra broth when reheating if needed, as the stew may thicken during freezing and thawing. Do not freeze after adding the cheese.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

This cheesy hamburger stew with rice is a delightful and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and customizable nature, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a warm and cheesy bowl of happiness! This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone feeling satisfied and content. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal, this cheesy hamburger stew with rice is the perfect choice. Enjoy!

## Recipe Card

**Cheesy Hamburger Stew with Rice**

A comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, vegetables, rice, and plenty of cheese.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 6

**Ingredients:**

**Instructions:**

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Stir in the uncooked rice. Cover the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or sour cream, if desired. Serve immediately.

**Notes:**

* Use lean ground beef to minimize grease.
* Adjust seasoning to taste.
* For a spicier stew, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Cheesy Hamburger Stew with Rice!

Tags: Recipes