French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory flavors with a hearty texture. This dish is simple to make, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss. With a few staple ingredients and a little time in the oven, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 24 grams
Carbohydrates: 45 grams
Fat: 18 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Sugar: 2 grams
Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to use up leftovers or pantry staples. This dish provides a hearty dose of comfort food while being versatile enough to cater to different tastes. The combination of ground beef, creamy soups, and rice creates a filling and flavorful meal, making it a great option for feeding a family or serving at potlucks.
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Step by Step
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, rice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, stir the casserole, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
For an ideal meal, serve your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate the flavors even more. This casserole also pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
How to Store French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Leftover French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven until heated through or microwave for a quick meal. For long-term storage, you can freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Expert Tips for Cooking French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Brown the beef well to enhance flavor.
- Use low-sodium soups and broth for a healthier option.
- Experiment with the cheese; Gruyère makes a delightful alternative to mozzarella or Swiss.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- For extra flavor, mix in some Worcestershire sauce or Italian seasoning.
Delicious Variations of French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder. You can also create a herbed version by incorporating fresh herbs like thyme and parsley. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a flavorful dish that brings comfort to your table. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures that this casserole offers!
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 10.5 oz can French onion soup Choose low-sodium version for a healthier option.
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup Low-fat options can also be used.
- 1 cup beef broth Low-sodium suggested.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese Gruyère is a delightful alternative.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, rice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and cover with foil.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, stir the casserole, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
