French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines hearty ingredients for a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights, this casserole offers convenience without sacrificing taste. With its rich blend of ground beef, creamy rice, and crispy toppings, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Just one pan is needed for this recipe, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of French onion soup mix with seasoned ground beef creates a savory base.
- Customizable: You can easily add vegetables or swap the cheese to suit your tastes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and simply reheat when ready to serve.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dish: It serves six people comfortably, making it great for family dinners or gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and enhance your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef evenly and preventing sticking.
- Mixing bowl: Ensures all ingredients combine thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Baking dish: Provides enough space to bake the casserole evenly, allowing it to cook properly.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- ½ cup French-fried onions
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
2. Drain excess grease.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice Mixture
In a large bowl:
1. Combine uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth.
2. Stir until well mixed.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add:
1. The cooked ground beef.
2. Sour cream.
Mix everything together until evenly combined, then transfer it into the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Add Cheese Topping
Spread the mixture evenly in the dish:
1. Top with shredded cheese.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole with foil:
1. Bake for 40 minutes.
Step 7: Final Baking Steps
Remove the foil:
1. Bake for another 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Add French-Fried Onions
Sprinkle French-fried onions on top:
1. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
Step 9: Serve
Let cool slightly before serving:
1. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy your delicious French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole! This dish is not only satisfying but also an easy meal that everyone will love.
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your family’s taste. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience.
With a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad – A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed lightly adds a refreshing crunch.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine with creamy dressing and croutons complements the richness of the casserole.
Add Some Veggies
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy contrast to the cheesy casserole.
- Roasted Carrots – Sweet roasted carrots add color and flavor, making for a delightful side.
Garnish Options
- Chopped Fresh Parsley – Sprinkle on top for a burst of freshness that enhances presentation.
- Sour Cream Dollop – A spoonful of sour cream adds creaminess and balances flavors nicely.
How to Perfect French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
To enhance your cooking skills for this casserole, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients – Choosing fresh beef and high-quality broth can significantly improve the flavor.
- Don’t Skip Browning the Beef – Properly browning the ground beef adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Layer Cheese Generously – For an extra cheesy experience, don’t be shy with the cheese; it melts beautifully during baking.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste – Before assembling, taste your mixture. Feel free to add more salt or pepper based on preference.
- Let it Rest Before Serving – Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps set the layers, making it easier to serve.
Best Side Dishes for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Pairing sides with your casserole will enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread – Deliciously buttery garlic bread makes a perfect companion, ideal for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Coleslaw – This cold, crunchy side offers a nice texture contrast and balances out the richness of the casserole.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes are an excellent comfort food option that pairs well with beef dishes.
- Green Beans Almondine – Sautéed green beans with almonds provide a nutty flavor that complements the casserole well.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness that enhances savory flavors while being easy to prepare.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of hearty casserole, adding freshness to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your cooking experience with this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always brown the meat well to develop deep flavors.
- Not measuring the rice correctly: Using too much or too little rice can affect the texture. Make sure to use one cup of long-grain white rice for perfect results.
- Forgetting to drain excess grease: Leaving grease in the pan may make your casserole oily. Drain it thoroughly after cooking the beef for a better outcome.
- Overbaking the dish: Baking too long can dry out your casserole. Keep an eye on it during the final baking period to ensure it’s cooked just right.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient varies in flavor; taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Don’t hesitate to add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if necessary.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let the casserole cool completely before sealing it in the container.
Freezing French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Freeze in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Label the container with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing this delicious French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can use brown rice, but adjust cooking time and liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.
How can I customize my French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also switch up the cheese varieties!
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge and reheats easily.
What other dishes pair well with this casserole?
Serve with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that balances out the richness of this casserole.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is not just hearty but also incredibly versatile—perfect for any family dinner or make-ahead meal. With options to customize ingredients, you can create a version that best suits your taste buds. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a delicious comfort food that combines savory ground beef, creamy rice, and rich French onion flavor for a satisfying dish. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this one-pan casserole is easy to prepare and promises to please even the pickiest eaters. With its gooey cheese topping and crispy French-fried onions, every bite is a delightful experience. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese to make it your own. Enjoy this hearty meal that’s sure to become a staple on your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- ½ cup French-fried onions
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth; stir until well mixed.
- Add the cooked ground beef and sour cream to the rice mixture; mix until combined and transfer to the baking dish.
- Top the mixture with shredded cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle French-fried onions on top and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
