French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole brings comfort and flavor together in one dish. It is easy to prepare, fills you up, and warms your heart. The blend of French onion soup and cream of mushroom soup adds a rich taste, while the ground beef and rice create a satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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 your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and rice. Mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove the foil, stir the casserole, and sprinkle the cheese on top.
7. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole can be served as a main dish, perfect with a side of green salad or steamed vegetables. It also pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Store French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave.

Tips to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Make sure to brown the beef well for added flavor.
• Feel free to add additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• If you like a bit of spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes.

Variation

You can easily switch up this recipe by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You could also use brown rice instead of white rice, but remember to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

FAQs

Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked in this recipe?
Yes, you can use cooked rice, but reduce the beef broth by about half since the cooked rice won’t absorb as much liquid.

What other cheeses can I use?
You can use any cheese you like! Cheddar, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses can work well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it and keep it covered in the fridge for a day before baking it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.