French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Introduction

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, flavorful rice, and the rich taste of French onion soup. Topped with gooey cheese, this one-dish meal is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed French onion soup
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preparation Tips

• For extra flavor, sauté the onion until caramelized before adding it to the casserole.
• Use Swiss cheese for a classic French onion taste or mozzarella for a milder option.
• Add a handful of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for garnish.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, uncooked rice, beef broth, French onion soup, thyme, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
2. Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella or Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Description

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting blend of hearty beef, tender rice, and the rich flavors of French onion soup. The cheesy topping adds the perfect finishing touch, making it a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to love.

Nutritional Information (Per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative.
2. What type of rice should I use?
   Long-grain white rice is ideal, but brown rice can be substituted. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
3. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Recommendations

• Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Double the recipe for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Conclusion

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With its rich flavors and cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try today and enjoy a classic casserole with a French onion twist!