French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich flavors and cheesy goodness. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish combines juicy ground beef seasoned with French onion soup mix, tender rice, and a delicious topping of melted cheese and crispy French-fried onions. It’s a cozy dish that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of French onion soup mix and ground beef creates a rich and savory taste.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal cleanup, this casserole comes together quickly.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a make-ahead option for busy days.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the cheesy, comforting layers.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one dish, making it easy to serve and clean up.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier and more efficient. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Ideal for browning ground beef evenly while allowing fat to drain.
- Mixing Bowl: Provides ample space to combine ingredients without spills.
- Baking Dish: A sturdy dish ensures even cooking and easy serving straight from the oven.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this comforting dish:
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. Cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Drain excess grease.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl:
1. Combine uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth until well mixed.
Step 4: Combine with Beef
Add the cooked ground beef and sour cream:
1. Stir everything together until fully incorporated.
2. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Add Cheese Topping
Spread the mixture evenly in the dish. Then:
1. Top with shredded cheese.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole with foil:
1. Bake for 40 minutes.
Step 7: Bake Uncovered
After 40 minutes:
1. Remove the foil.
2. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Add Crunchy 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!
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your meal. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and garnishes.
Pair with Fresh Salads
- Garden Salad: A simple mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons complement the casserole’s cheesy goodness.
Add Some Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a delicious flavor pairing.
Garnish for Extra Flavor
- Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Chopped Green Onions: These add crunch and a mild onion flavor that ties into the casserole’s ingredients.
How to Perfect French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
To make your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole even better, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the flavors and ensure a perfect texture every time.
- Use Quality Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for less grease and better flavor. This keeps your dish from being too oily.
- Cook Rice Properly: Make sure your rice is cooked just right before mixing it in. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the oven.
- Add Extra Cheese: For more cheesiness, consider mixing in different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for added depth.
- Let it Rest: After baking, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes. This helps set the layers and makes serving easier.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like paprika or Italian seasoning to give your casserole an extra kick.
- Make Ahead of Time: Prepare your casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly in the fridge, then bake when ready to serve.
Best Side Dishes for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Pairing side dishes with your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement its hearty flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, garlic bread adds an irresistible touch.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw balances the creaminess of the casserole while adding freshness.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a burst of sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory beef flavors.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create an indulgent plate when paired with this casserole.
- Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with almonds provide both texture and nutrition.
- Baked Zucchini Fries: These crispy fries offer a healthier side option while still being fun to eat!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Using too much liquid: Adding more broth than necessary can make your casserole soggy. Stick to the recipe for perfect consistency.
- Not browning the beef properly: Failing to brown the ground beef can result in a lack of flavor. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned before mixing it with other ingredients.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season your mixture can leave your casserole bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning before baking.
- Overcooking the rice: Using pre-cooked rice or cooking it too long in the casserole can lead to mushiness. Use uncooked long-grain rice as specified for ideal texture.
- Not letting it cool before serving: Cutting into the casserole immediately can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool slightly for better slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover casserole in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Freeze in a well-sealed container or freezer bag.
- The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm throughout.
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be mindful that it may require additional cooking time and liquid.
How do I customize my French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Feel free to experiment with different cheese toppings too!
What should I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I make this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake just before serving.
Final Thoughts
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand. This dish is sure to please everyone at your table—give it a try!
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. This hearty dish brings together the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a delightful blend of French onion soup mix topped with melted cheese and crispy French-fried onions. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this one-pan wonder is sure to please everyone at the table. With minimal clean-up and easy preparation steps, you’ll savor every cheesy, savory bite!
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef; drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth.
- Stir in the cooked ground beef and sour cream until well mixed; transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese and cover with foil; bake for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted; top with French-fried onions and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 422
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 735mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
