There’s just something so wonderful about casseroles, isn’t there? They wrap you up in warmth and comfort, like a cozy hug on a chilly night. My French onion ground beef and rice casserole is a family favorite that never fails to bring everyone to the table. The rich, savory flavors of French onion soup, combined with tender ground beef and fluffy rice, create a dish that’s not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying. I remember the first time I made this for my kids—they couldn’t get enough! It’s simple to whip up and perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, this recipe is going to become a beloved staple in your home, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can French onion soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare *French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole*
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and the cheese gets all melty and delicious. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Next, grab a skillet and heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is nice and warm, toss in the diced onion. You’ll want to cook it until it’s translucent and fragrant—about 3-5 minutes. The smell will have you dreaming of comfort food already!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Now it’s time to add the 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with your spatula as it browns. Make sure there’s no pink left—this is key for flavor and safety. Once it’s browned, you’re ready for the next step!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the can of French onion soup and the 2 cups of beef broth into the beef mixture. Then, add in your uncooked rice and give everything a good mix. You want all those flavors to mingle together beautifully!
Step 5: Seasoning
Now, don’t forget to season your mixture with salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with a pinch of each and then adjust as needed. It’s all about that perfect balance of flavor!
Step 6: Baking
Transfer your delicious mixture into a baking dish and cover it generously with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and the whole kitchen smells divine!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for a serving of my *French onion ground beef and rice casserole*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it’s a good starting point!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
So, you can see it’s a hearty meal packed with protein and flavor! Perfect for those busy nights when you need something comforting and filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty ingredients like ground beef and rice keep you satisfied.
- Rich, savory flavors of French onion soup bring comfort to every bite.
- One-pan dish means less cleanup—score!
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses or veggies for added flair.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, if there are any!
Tips for Success
To really nail this *French onion ground beef and rice casserole*, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, feel free to mix up the cheeses—I love a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for that perfect gooeyness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works great instead of beef, and you won’t lose any flavor! Also, don’t rush the sautéing process; letting the onions caramelize a little will deepen the flavor. Lastly, make sure to let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking—this helps it set up nicely and makes serving easier. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to customize this *French onion ground beef and rice casserole*! For cheese lovers, try mixing in some gouda or pepper jack for an extra kick. You could also add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to elevate the flavor. Want to sneak in some veggies? Diced bell peppers or mushrooms can add a nice touch and boost the nutrition! If you’re craving a little sweetness, caramelized onions would be a delicious addition. And for a fun twist, try swapping the rice for quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
This *French onion ground beef and rice casserole* pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances the rich flavors of the casserole perfectly. You might also consider serving it with some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy goodness. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or steamed green beans make a fantastic side, adding color and nutrition to your plate!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover *French onion ground beef and rice casserole* is just as delightful as when it’s freshly baked! To store it properly, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is melty. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just be careful—it can get hot quickly! Enjoy every comforting bite!
Print
French onion ground beef and rice casserole: 5 Comforting Steps
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting casserole featuring ground beef, rice, and French onion flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can French onion soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in French onion soup and beef broth.
- Add uncooked rice and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and cover with cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For added flavor, use a mix of cheeses.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: french onion ground beef and rice casserole