This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is one of those meals that, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Seriously, it’s that good! On a busy weeknight, when you’re juggling work, kids, and a million other things, this one-dish wonder comes to your rescue. There’s something about the hearty combination of beef, tender rice, and savory French onion flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
First off, it’s super, super easy to throw together. You don’t have to be a culinary whiz to impress your family or guests. It’s also budget-friendly—who doesn’t love that? Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) reheat beautifully for lunch, meaning you won’t even have to break a sweat the next day. But let’s be honest, it’s such a crowd-pleaser that you might end up making this casserole on repeat!
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef: The heart of our casserole, providing that rich, meaty flavor.
– 1 cup long-grain white rice: Adds bulk and a comforting texture.
– 2 cups beef broth or beef consommé: Infuses the casserole with deep, savory goodness.
– 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup: The star ingredient that brings that classic flavor.
– 1 medium onion, chopped: Extra sweetness and depth in every bite.
– 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better!
– 1 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all those fabulous flavors.
– 1 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick, to keep things interesting.
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss or mozzarella): Melty, gooey goodness on top.
– 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding a bit of richness.
Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and toasty for our casserole.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion.
3. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute.
4. Now, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink—about 5-6 minutes.
5. Drain any excess fat from the pan. You want all that flavor, not all that grease!
6. Stir in the beef broth or consommé, French onion soup, rice, salt, and pepper. Bring it just to a gentle simmer for a minute or two, just to get it all combined.
7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Now, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Because, let’s be real, cheesy casserole = happy people.
9. Cover with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. Take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Cooking Tips
– If you want to mix it up, throw in some frozen veggies like peas or corn for a pop of color and nutrition. No one will complain about a dish that’s a little healthier!
– I like to use shredded cheese blends—they add more depth of flavor. And, let’s be honest, lots of cheese is never a bad idea!
FAQs
– Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the rice package since brown rice usually takes longer to cook.
– What can I serve with this casserole?
A simple salad or some steamed veggies on the side work wonderfully. You want veggies to balance out all the deliciousness, right?
– Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up until baking, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for a day. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
– Is this casserole good for freezing?
Yes! Just let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and freeze. It’ll be a lifesaver for those hectic weeknights.
So, the next time you’re feeling rushed and need a delicious dinner idea, remember this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. It’s the definition of comfort food, and I think your family will adore it just as much as mine does!
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Deliciously Hearty French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate cozy dinner. Loaded with savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich blend of French onion soup and melted cheese, it’s a no-fuss comfort food classic that’s perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups beef broth or beef consommé
1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss or mozzarella)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink.
5. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
6. Stir in beef broth or consommé, French onion soup, rice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to combine.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Top evenly with shredded cheese.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
11. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can substitute Swiss with mozzarella or provolone depending on your taste.
For a deeper flavor, try using beef consommé instead of regular broth.
Leftovers reheat well and make a great lunch the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous scoop
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: french onion casserole, beef and rice bake, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy rice bake