French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Welcome to the wonderful world of comfort food with this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole! This dish is a warm, hearty meal that will fill your kitchen with amazing smells. Imagine a creamy, cheesy mix of ground beef, French onion soup, and flavorful rice all baked to perfection. It’s cozy, delicious, and just what you need after a long day. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is easy to whip up and will have everyone asking for seconds. #ComfortFood #CasseroleRecipes

What sets this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole apart is how simple it is to make and how satisfying it feels to eat. You can enjoy every bite without fussing over complicated steps. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why Make This Recipe

You will love this recipe for many reasons!

Saves Time: This casserole is simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the rich flavors and cheesy goodness.
One-Dish Wonder: A complete meal that requires fewer dishes to clean!
Versatile: You can add your favorite veggies or spices to customize it.
Delicious Leftovers: It tastes just as good (if not better) the next day!

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Making this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is easy and quick! Follow the steps below to create a delightful dish that your family will love.

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:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened.
Step 3: Stir in the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and rice. Mix well.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, stir the casserole, and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Step 6: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet
Casserole dish
Aluminum foil
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula or wooden spoon

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Serve this casserole warm right out of the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor and color.

How to Store French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish is great for meal prep! Simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through, and enjoy it again!

Tips to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cook the Beef Completely: Make sure the ground beef is well-browned for the best flavor.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and quality soup can enhance the overall taste.
Cover While Baking: Covering the casserole initially helps cook the rice evenly and keeps the dish moist.
Adjust Spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to adapt the flavor to your taste.

Variation

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using lentils instead of ground beef and veggie broth instead of beef broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to give it more nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can use cheddar, gouda, or any cheese you like for a different flavor.

2. How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it before reheating.

4. What can I serve with the casserole?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs nicely with this dish.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers to make it even heartier.

Personal Cook’s Note

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole has become a staple in my home! I remember the first time I made it; my family couldn’t stop raving about it. It was a chilly evening, and the warm, cheesy aroma filled our house. Now, I often make it when I want a comforting meal without much hassle. I encourage you to personalize it and make it your own! If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below! Happy cooking!