Can I use a different type of rice?

Absolutely. Long grain white rice works perfectly—just quick release the pressure as soon as the cooking cycle ends, instead of letting it naturally release.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the casserole as directed, let it cool, then store in the fridge. Reheat and add the cheese and toppings just before serving for best texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the special sauce?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain sour cream is a great swap. Even regular yogurt adds creaminess, though you may want to drain excess liquid for a thicker sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You sure can—use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative, and swap the Greek yogurt and mayo in the sauce for plant-based options. The result is still wonderfully hearty and flavorful.

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 teaspoon seasoning salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup long grain brown rice; 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes; 3/4 cup water; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1/3 cup ketchup; Dash of salt and pepper; Chopped pickles, for serving

Description

This Instant Pot Cheeseburger Casserole is a quick and delicious one-pot meal that combines all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a hearty casserole form. Made with ground beef, brown rice, diced tomatoes, and cheddar cheese, and topped with a tangy special sauce, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes using your Instant Pot.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Beef & Rice Mixture

2 pounds ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup long grain brown rice
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
3/4 cup water
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Special Sauce

2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1/3 cup ketchup
Dash of salt and pepper
Chopped pickles, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Saute the Beef and Onion: Turn your Instant Pot to the “SAUTE” function. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the inner pot, then add the ground beef, diced onion, seasoning salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use a hamburger chopper or spoon to break up the beef as it cooks.
Deglaze and Add Water: When the beef is mostly browned, pour in 3/4 cup water. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
Add Rice and Condiments: Sprinkle the brown rice evenly over the beef mixture. Do not stir. Top the rice with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and both cans of diced tomatoes, ensuring the rice is fully covered with tomatoes.
Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then turn the valve to vent to release any remaining pressure. If using white rice, quick release immediately after cooking.
Add Cheese: Once safe to open, use a fork to mix the beef and rice mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, replace the lid, and let sit for 2-3 minutes so the cheese melts.
Prepare and Serve with Special Sauce: While the casserole is cooking, mix the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, ketchup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl for the special sauce. Serve the casserole hot, topped with the sauce and chopped pickles on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

If using white rice, release the pressure immediately after the cooking time ends to avoid overcooking the rice.
Customize the special sauce with your favorite condiments like mustard, relish, or hot sauce.
For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
You can use shredded lettuce or tomatoes as toppings for extra freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
Calories: 530
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1040mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 120mg