Hamburger Jazz

The savory simplicity of Hamburger Jazz makes it a timeless crowd-pleaser. With just five ingredients, this dish is a no-fuss comfort food classic that delivers flavor and nostalgia in every bite. The creamy mushroom soup melds beautifully with the juicy beef and tangy tomatoes, while a bubbly blanket of melted mozzarella tops it all off. Perfect for those busy nights when you need something hearty and homemade, this casserole is also wonderfully adaptable. Want extra veggies? Toss in bell peppers or onions. Like it spicy? A dash of hot sauce or chili flakes will do the trick. Whether served at a weeknight dinner or meal prepped for lunch, Hamburger Jazz brings home-style goodness with minimal effort.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice

• ½ cup long grain white rice (uncooked)

• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes (with juice), and uncooked rice.

3. Cover and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until rice is tender.

4. Preheat your oven’s broiler.

5. Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. Broil until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Nostalgic Favorite: The Origins of Hamburger Jazz

The Hamburger Jazz casserole, also known as Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, has roots in mid-20th century American kitchens where efficiency and comfort ruled. In those days, quick and hearty meals were essential for growing families, often made with pantry staples and a creative twist. Casseroles like this one were a staple at potlucks, church dinners, and weeknight meals alike.

The name “Jazz” likely emerged from the dish’s lively and robust blend of textures and flavors—meaty, creamy, tangy, and cheesy. It’s a dish that sings with minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivers bold and satisfying results. It became especially popular in the 1960s and 70s when canned soup and pre-packaged cheese helped home cooks whip up meals in under 30 minutes.

Generations later, this humble casserole is still a family favorite, especially for busy households seeking comfort without complication.

Why Hamburger Jazz Stands Out

So, what makes Hamburger Jazz better than your average casserole? It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. With only five core ingredients—ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, canned tomatoes, rice, and cheese—it manages to feel indulgent and filling, without needing a long shopping list or hours in the kitchen.

Unlike many complex dinner recipes, this one comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s an ideal recipe for beginners, seasoned cooks, and anyone who needs a last-minute dish that delivers. The flavor profile balances the richness of beef and cheese with the brightness of tomatoes and the creaminess of the soup.

And let’s not forget: it’s also incredibly kid-friendly. The mild flavors, creamy texture, and gooey cheese appeal to even the pickiest eaters.

Health and Budget Benefits

While this casserole leans toward the comfort food category, it can be modified for health-conscious eaters. The recipe provides 28 grams of protein per serving, helping keep you fuller for longer. By choosing lean ground beef or substituting with ground turkey or chicken, you can cut down on saturated fat without sacrificing flavor.

From a budget standpoint, Hamburger Jazz is a dream. All the ingredients are affordable and easy to stock in your pantry or freezer. A pound of ground beef, a can of soup, and a few basic extras make this a go-to dish for end-of-week fridge cleanouts or when money is tight.

It also stretches well: add a side of vegetables or a simple salad, and you can feed a family of four or more without breaking the bank.

Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the biggest reasons Hamburger Jazz has remained popular is its flexibility. You can tweak the ingredients based on what’s in your kitchen or your family’s preferences. Here are a few popular variations:

• Add vegetables like chopped onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Switch the cheese—mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack can spice things up.
• Make it spicy by using Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, or adding a dash of hot sauce or chili powder.
• Go vegetarian by replacing beef with plant-based crumbles and using cream of celery soup.
• Make it gluten-free by ensuring the canned soup and other components are labeled gluten-free.

These tweaks ensure that no two versions of Hamburger Jazz are ever quite the same—and that’s part of the fun.

Meal Prep and Leftovers Made Easy

Another reason this recipe is a household hero? It’s perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch ahead of time, store it in individual containers, and reheat portions throughout the week. The rice and beef hold up well in the fridge, and the flavor only gets better after a day or two.

You can also freeze Hamburger Jazz for up to three months. Simply let it cool, place it in an airtight container, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for new parents, busy professionals, or anyone looking to simplify their dinner routine.

Perfect for All Occasions

While Hamburger Jazz is a great weeknight meal, it’s versatile enough to serve in other settings, too. Hosting a casual dinner party? Serve it alongside garlic bread and a green salad. Bringing a dish to a potluck? Double the batch and bake it in a foil pan for easy transport.

It also makes an excellent addition to your holiday table, especially when feeding a crowd. Kids love it, adults find it comforting, and even picky eaters rarely turn it down.

For potlucks, family reunions, or comfort-food buffets, Hamburger Jazz brings that cozy, home-cooked feel that everyone appreciates.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole Every Time

While this recipe is simple, there are a few tricks to ensure it turns out perfect every time:

• Use the right rice: Long-grain white rice works best because it absorbs liquid well without turning mushy. Avoid minute rice unless you pre-cook it separately.
• Cover while simmering: Keeping the skillet covered during the simmering process helps the rice cook evenly and fully.
• Don’t skip broiling: This final step gives you that irresistible cheesy crust on top. Just a few minutes under the broiler transforms the dish from simple to special.
• Season to taste: While the ingredients bring plenty of flavor, don’t forget to add salt and pepper (and even garlic or onion powder) to your liking.

Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved

Let’s be honest—getting kids to eat dinner can be a battle. Hamburger Jazz takes that challenge and turns it into a win. Its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and mild beef flavor make it a hit with children. Plus, if you’re looking to sneak in veggies like finely chopped spinach or zucchini, the cheesy goodness hides them perfectly.

For parents, this dish becomes a weeknight lifesaver. It cooks in one skillet, uses minimal dishes, and has almost guaranteed approval from the entire family. And if your kids love helping in the kitchen, let them sprinkle the cheese on top before broiling—they’ll love having a role in dinner prep.

A Comfort Classic With Endless Potential

Cheesy casseroles like this aren’t just about food—they’re about memories. Hamburger Jazz is the kind of recipe that gets passed down from grandparents to parents to children. It reminds us of family dinners, snowy nights, and the warmth of home.

With endless adaptability and undeniable comfort, it fits into almost any household’s dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this dish gives you maximum reward for minimum effort. It’s just as welcome on a lazy Tuesday night as it is on a potluck buffet table.

You can also get creative with presentation. Try serving it in individual ramekins for a more elegant feel, or top it with crushed crackers or fried onions for a crispy contrast. However you serve it, it’s bound to be remembered.

Conclusion

Hamburger Jazz may be simple, but it’s the kind of dish that sticks with you—both literally and figuratively. Its blend of creamy mushroom soup, tender beef, juicy tomatoes, hearty rice, and melty cheese makes it the ultimate comfort food casserole. Easy to make, affordable, customizable, and absolutely satisfying, it’s everything a home-cooked meal should be.

Whether you’re discovering this recipe for the first time or reviving a family tradition, Hamburger Jazz is more than just a dish—it’s a cozy, delicious experience worth sharing again and again.

Let it jazz up your weekly menu—you’ll be glad you did.