French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a cozy and comforting dish perfect for family dinners. This casserole combines the rich flavors of beef and caramelized onions with the heartiness of rice, all topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s an easy meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for several reasons. First, it’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Second, it’s a complete meal that includes protein, carbs, and delicious flavors all in one dish. Lastly, the comforting taste of French onion soup paired with ground beef makes it a family favorite. You’ll find yourself making it again and again!
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Making this casserole is straightforward. You will start by preparing the ingredients and then layer them in the casserole dish. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can French onion soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the sliced onion until caramelized.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the beef broth, rice, and French onion soup. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
- Remove from the oven, stir, and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Serve the casserole hot right from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables. You can also offer some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
How to Store French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Make sure to sauté the onions until they’re a deep golden brown for the best flavor.
- If you want a bit of crunch, consider adding some crispy fried onions on top before serving.
- You can use brown rice instead of white for a healthier option, but adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Variation
You can customize this casserole by adding different vegetables. Feel free to mix in some cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can use lean ground beef or swap it for ground turkey. Using brown rice instead of white rice can also make it healthier.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
Print
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A cozy casserole combining rich beef and caramelized onions with hearty rice, topped with gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can French onion soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the sliced onion until caramelized.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the beef broth, rice, and French onion soup. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
- Remove from the oven, stir, and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, consider adding crispy fried onions on top before serving. You can substitute brown rice for a healthier option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: casserole, ground beef, family dinner, comfort food