Hearty French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Savory aromas of french onion ground beef and rice casserole waft through kitchens, promising a hearty comfort meal.

Caramelized onions mingle with rich beef, creating layers of deep flavor.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions that keep everyone happy.

Robust ingredients combine effortlessly in this one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup stress.

Melted cheese blankets tender rice and seasoned meat, making each forkful irresistible.

Home cooking reaches new heights with this classic dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Grab a spoon and let the deliciousness begin – this casserole awaits your culinary adventure.

Inside French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Whips up a hearty, satisfying dinner that hugs everyone's taste buds with minimal kitchen effort.
• Streamlines cooking by transforming ground beef and rice into a delicious casserole using just a skillet and baking dish, reducing cleanup time.
• Leverages affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and canned soups to create a filling meal that won't break the bank.
• Combines classic French onion soup's rich taste with comforting beef and rice, delivering a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base that adds hearty flavor and satisfying texture to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty toppings that create golden, gooey and stretchy cheese layer.

• French Onion Soup: Provides deep, caramelized onion flavor and moisture to the dish.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creamy consistency and earthy undertones.
• Beef Broth: Enhances savory flavor and helps cook rice perfectly.

• Onions: Key ingredient for caramelized sweetness and foundational flavor.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic depth to the entire dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes tangy and umami complexity.
• Thyme: Introduces subtle herbal notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste.

• White Rice: Provides soft, fluffy base for the casserole.
• Crispy Fried Onions: Adds crunchy texture and extra onion flavor on top.

Putting Together French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Warm your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Grab a large skillet and cook ground beef over medium heat. Break the meat into small crumbles as it sizzles. Drain away any extra fat.

Step 3: Caramelize Onion Magic

Toss sliced onions into the same skillet. Let them dance and soften until they turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Drop in minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.

Step 4: Create Flavor Symphony

• Worcestershire sauce
• French onion soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Beef broth
• Uncooked rice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Stir everything until well combined and saucy.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, give it a gentle stir, and check if the rice has softened. If needed, bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 7: Cheese and Crisp Topping

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Crispy fried onions

Bake uncovered for 5-10 more minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Scoop out generous portions and savor the comforting blend of flavors.

Secrets for Better French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Optimize Beef Browning: Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better caramelization and prevent steaming, ensuring rich, deep flavor in every bite.
• Caramelize Onions Perfectly: Slow-cook onions on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, to develop sweet, rich golden-brown color without burning.
• Control Rice Moisture: Check rice tenderness midway through baking, adding extra broth if needed to prevent dryness and ensure creamy, perfectly cooked texture.
• Customize Cheese Topping: Experiment with different cheese blends like gruyere or Swiss for enhanced depth, or use dairy-free alternatives for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready – flavors will meld beautifully and create a convenient make-ahead meal option.

Reheating and Saving French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for renewed flavor.
• For quick reheating, place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Matchups for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, savory flavors of the ground beef and caramelized onions, cutting through the creamy texture and enhancing the dish's depth.
• Create a light, refreshing side with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's hearty and creamy profile, providing a fresh contrast to the warm, comforting main dish.
• Prepare a colorful side of roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips with herbs and olive oil, adding nutritional variety and a caramelized sweetness that echoes the onion flavors in the casserole.
• Choose a malty amber ale or a rich brown ale to match the casserole's robust beef and onion notes, with enough carbonation to cut through the dish's richness and cleanse the palate.

Twist the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Deconstructed Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free beef broth to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic French onion taste and creamy texture intact.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate Mediterranean herbs like oregano and swap some ingredients with roasted red peppers and feta cheese for a different cultural spin on the classic casserole.

Your Questions on French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work great as substitutes for beef in this casserole.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. You’ll need to use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and French onion soup to make it gluten-free.

• How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Use long-grain white rice and ensure you have enough liquid. Follow the recipe measurements precisely to maintain the right rice texture.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty French onion ground beef and rice casserole delivers comfort on a plate, blending classic flavors with modern simplicity. Savory caramelized onions and tender beef create a delicious one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth

Vegetables and Alliums:

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup crispy fried onions

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil (if needed)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can French onion soup
• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup (180 grams) uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (57 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350F (175C) and applying a light grease coating to a 9×13-inch baking vessel.
2. Place ground beef in a spacious skillet and cook over medium heat, ensuring thorough browning. Eliminate any surplus fat through draining.
3. Introduce sliced onions to the pan, allowing them to soften and caramelize during a 5-minute transformation. Incorporate minced garlic and briefly sauté for half a minute.
4. Integrate Worcestershire sauce, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, seasoning elements like salt and pepper, and aromatic thyme. Thoroughly amalgamate all components.
5. Carefully transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, ensuring complete coverage with aluminum foil.
6. Initiate baking process for approximately 45 minutes. Remove foil, gently stir contents, and evaluate rice tenderness. Extend cooking time by 10 minutes if necessary.
7. Generously distribute cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the surface. Sprinkle crispy fried onions for additional texture and flavor. Return to oven uncovered, allowing cheese to melt and achieve a golden, bubbling appearance.
8. After removing from oven, permit the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to harmonize and consistency to stabilize.

Notes

• Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, rich flavor and prevent burning by stirring frequently and using medium-low heat.
• Drain excess beef fat completely to avoid a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Use low-sodium broth and soups to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely to your taste preferences.
• Experiment with alternative proteins like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of this hearty dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg