French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines comforting flavors and easy preparation, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights. This hearty casserole offers a blend of ground beef, savory onion soup, and creamy mushroom soup, all perfectly melded with rice and topped with gooey cheese. Anyone can whip this up, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen.
Merging classic French onion soup flavors with ground beef and rice, this casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level. It’s filling, satisfying, and deliciously cheesy, making it a hit with families and friends. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that simplifies cleanup—always a bonus after a long day!
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:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. You can pair it with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream can also add a nice touch on top.
How to Store French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
If you have any leftovers, let the casserole cool down to room temperature before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw before reheating.
Tips to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- For added flavor, consider sautéing some garlic along with the onion.
- If you want a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Feel free to use other types of cheese, like cheddar or provolone, depending on your taste.
Variation
You can customize this casserole easily. For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef. You can also mix in vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the dish further.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time. Be sure to adjust the liquid accordingly.
2. Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce if you prefer.
3. Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
