Why Make This Recipe
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with hearty ground beef and rice. It is an easy and satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The creamy texture and cheesy topping make it a favorite among kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup for you!
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 can creamy French onion soup
- 2 cups shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the French onion soup, rice, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole is great on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also add a side of crusty bread for those who love to soak up the delicious sauce!
How to Store French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- If you like it cheesier, feel free to add more cheese on top before baking.
- You can use brown rice instead of white rice; just remember to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.
- For extra flavor, try adding some herbs like thyme or parsley to the mixture.
Variation
You can make this recipe with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or plant-based ground meat instead of beef.
FAQs
Can I use instant rice instead of regular rice?
Yes, you can use instant rice, but make sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I replace the French onion soup with something else?
If you don’t have French onion soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade onion gravy for a different taste.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and can be made in advance, making it perfect for meal prep. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat!
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup white rice Can substitute with brown rice.
- 1 can creamy French onion soup
- 2 cups shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar or mozzarella) Add more for a cheesier topping.
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the French onion soup, rice, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
