If you’re craving a comforting, soulful dish that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients, then you absolutely have to try this French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe. Imagine the deep, savory essence of French onion soup married with hearty ground beef and tender rice, all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. This casserole is not only a family-friendly meal but also a super satisfying one-pot wonder that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe delivers warmth and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe truly special. Each component plays a vital role: from the hearty ground beef that provides richness, to the rice that brings texture, and the French onion soup mix that infuses that signature savory sweetness. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring this comforting casserole to life.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose a lean or medium-fat beef for best flavor and moisture balance in the casserole.
- 1 cup uncooked rice: Regular long-grain rice is perfect here for fluffiness and absorbing flavors beautifully.
- 2 cups beef broth: This adds depth and richness to the dish, making every bite savory and satisfying.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: Acts as a creamy binder that keeps the casserole moist and luscious.
- 1 packet French onion soup mix: The heart of the recipe — bringing that unmistakable French onion flavor with caramelized onion notes and herbs.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar or a blend works wonderfully for a golden, melty topping.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking your ground beef until it’s nice and browned. This develops great flavor through caramelization. Be sure to break up the meat so it cooks evenly. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Combine the Soup Mix and Broth
To the beef, add the beef broth, the cream of mushroom soup, and the French onion soup mix. Stir well to combine everything into a rich, aromatic sauce that’s going to soak into the rice perfectly.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Simmer
Next, stir in the uncooked rice. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer on the stove so the rice begins absorbing the flavorful liquid, ensuring every grain is infused with the yummy French onion goodness.
Step 4: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Once your mixture is well combined and coming together, pour it into a greased baking dish. This setup will help the casserole cook evenly in the oven and develop a beautiful crust on top later.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for the rice to cook fully and absorb all those rich flavors without drying out.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Take the foil off, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and pop the casserole back into the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and brown just enough to create that irresistible gooey, golden topping.
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe even further, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. These vibrant greens add a lovely pop of color and a fresh, mild bite that balances the rich flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans adds some crunch and freshness. A simple Caesar salad or a light vinaigrette-dressed slaw would complement the hearty casserole perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch or bring it to a potluck in a colorful baking dish that wows visually. You can also sprinkle a mix of cheeses or add sautéed mushrooms on top for an extra flavorful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal prepping lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the casserole, portion it out into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep the texture just right.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes, to retain that baked texture and cheesy top. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covering them loosely to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for the casserole?
Absolutely! While long-grain white rice is recommended for its texture, you can try brown rice for a nuttier flavor, though it may require longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly for best results.
Is there a substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can use cream of chicken soup or a homemade creamy sauce if you prefer. The mushroom soup adds nice earthiness, but substitutions will still maintain a delicious creamy consistency.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The French onion soup mix keeps that signature flavor intact.
How spicy is the French onion soup mix?
The French onion soup mix is generally savory with sweetness from caramelized onion powder and herbs; it’s not spicy at all, making it perfect for all taste preferences.
What kind of cheese works best on top?
Sharp cheddar is a classic choice for its meltiness and flavor, but you can also use mozzarella for stretchy gooeyness, or a blend like Monterey Jack and Parmesan for a more complex cheesy crust.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food had a perfect ambassador, this French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe would be it. It’s a delicious, cozy meal that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven—simple, hearty, and endlessly satisfying. Next time you want to whip up something that pleases the whole family with minimal fuss, dive into this recipe. You won’t regret it!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole combining savory ground beef, flavorful French onion soup mix, tender rice, and melted cheese, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet (about 1 ounce) French onion soup mix
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature when the casserole is ready to bake.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, stirring occasionally until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Combine Ingredients: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then add the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and French onion soup mix. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Add Rice and Simmer: Stir in the uncooked rice into the beef mixture and bring to a simmer on the stovetop, allowing the rice to begin absorbing the liquid and flavors.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and transfer the entire beef and rice mixture into it, spreading evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the rice to cook through.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top, then return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Use a baking dish large enough to evenly spread the beef and rice mixture.
- Drain the excess fat carefully to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Feel free to use any shredded cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or a cheese blend, for varied flavor.
- Check rice for doneness before serving; if still firm, bake a few more minutes with a splash of broth.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or oven.
