French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Looking for a comforting dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole! This delightful meal combines savory ingredients into a hearty casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With its rich flavors and gooey cheese topping, it’s sure to become a new favorite at your table.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 365
Protein: 21g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 810mg

Why Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a fantastic option for anyone who prefers meals that are both delicious and simple to prepare. It’s exceptionally versatile, allowing you to easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Plus, with ground beef, rice, and tasty soups, it’s a complete meal that provides adequate nutrition after a long day.

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

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion until the beef is cooked through. Drain excess fat.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef mixture with French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, rice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
6. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to add a pop of color and nutrition to your meal. You can also consider serving it with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the salad can add a wonderful tang that complements the rich flavors of the casserole.

How to Store French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the original instructions.

Expert Tips for Cooking French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• For added flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onion until caramelized before mixing it with the ground beef.
• You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for an extra nutritional boost.
• Substitute other cheese varieties, like cheddar or Gruyere, to change the flavor profile.
• If you like it spicy, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Delicious Variations of French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix. If you’re in the mood for something herby, consider adding fresh or dried thyme and rosemary to enhance the flavor. You can also create a vegetarian version by swapping the ground beef with lentils or quinoa, and using vegetable broth in place of beef broth!

In conclusion, you won’t be disappointed when you try French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Its rich flavors, creamy textures, and simple preparation make it perfect for any home cook. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction this dish brings to your family table!

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

A comforting and flavorful casserole made with ground beef, rice, and savory soups, topped with gooey cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Casserole, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 365 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped Sauté until caramelized for added flavor.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• 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 Other cheese varieties like cheddar or Gruyere can be used.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion until the beef is cooked through. Drain excess fat.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef mixture with French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, rice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
• Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.

Baking

• Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
• Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. You can freeze the unbaked casserole; wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, French Onion Casserole, Ground Beef, Rice Casserole