If you have a craving for something hearty, comforting, and downright irresistible, the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with fluffy rice, all bathed in the rich, savory goodness of French onion soup mix, topped with melty cheese and crispy French-fried onions for that perfect textural contrast. This dish brings all the warm, cozy flavors you love from classic French onion soup into an easy, satisfying casserole that your whole family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward and essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the rich beef broth and aromatic French onion soup mix to the creamy sour cream and crisp topping that finishes it all off beautifully.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a hearty, meaty base that’s rich and satisfying.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked): Cooks perfectly in the casserole, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- 1 packet French onion soup mix: Infuses the dish with that unmistakable savory onion flavor.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds moisture and depth, bringing everything together beautifully.
- ½ cup sour cream: Gives the casserole a creamy, tangy element that balances the richness.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection on top.
- ½ cup French-fried onions: A crispy, crunchy topping that adds amazing texture and flavor contrast.
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly—setting the stage for a perfect finish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain the excess grease to keep things from becoming too oily, and season the beef subtly with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder for extra flavor that enhances the French onion notes.
Step 3: Combine the Rice Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth. This blend is what makes the rice so flavorful as it cooks, absorbing every bit of the French onion richness and beefiness.
Step 4: Bring in the Creaminess and Beef
Add the cooked ground beef along with the sour cream to the rice mixture. Stir well so that the sour cream blends into the broth, creating a creamy texture that makes every bite smooth and luscious.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top. This layer will melt down into a gooey, golden blanket that’s utterly delicious.
Step 6: Bake Covered then Uncovered
Cover your dish with foil to keep moisture locked in and bake for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to bubble and brown just right—getting that gorgeous cheesy crust.
Step 7: Add the Crunchy Finish
Sprinkle the French-fried onions on top of the bubbling cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step gives you that irresistible crispy, golden topping that elevates the entire dish.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes so it sets slightly, making it easier to serve and letting all those flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation and added flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving. These fresh herbs add a lovely pop of color and a subtle brightness that lifts the savory richness of the casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines perfectly as a complete meal, but you can complement it with a crisp green salad, steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli, or a fresh baguette to soak up any extra sauce. These sides provide balancing freshness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with fresh herbs and additional French-fried onions. This not only makes it look special but also turns your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe into a charming dish for entertaining or weeknight dinners that feel a little more festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it just as tasty for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container before baking or freeze any leftovers. When frozen, it will keep well for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the casserole again, reheat it covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for a faster option, though the oven will help retain that crispy topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Mozzarella and Swiss are classic choices for their melting qualities, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, Gruyère, or even a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the casserole?
Nope! The uncooked rice gently cooks during baking, absorbing all the savory liquids. Just make sure you use the right amount of broth to keep everything moist and tender.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes can work well. Just adjust cooking time if necessary and season accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
It definitely is! The French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe reheats well and gets even more flavorful over time, making it an excellent choice for batch cooking.
What if I don’t have French-fried onions?
You can make your own crispy topping by toasting breadcrumbs with a little butter or simply omit it. Although it adds great crunch and traditional French onion flavor, the casserole will still be delicious without it.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is a wonderful way to bring comfort and flavor to your table with minimal fuss. It’s a perfect dish to share with family or friends when you want something satisfying and warm. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the cozy goodness that only this casserole can offer. You’re going to love it!
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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender ground beef, fluffy long-grain rice, savory French onion soup mix, and melty cheese. Topped with crispy French-fried onions, it’s an easy oven-baked meal perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Main 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, then drain the excess grease. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Rice Mixture: In a mixing bowl, mix the uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth thoroughly.
- Add Beef and Sour Cream: Add the cooked ground beef and sour cream to the rice mixture, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly top with shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to cook the rice and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Add Topping and Final Bake: Sprinkle French-fried onions on top of the casserole and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set and ensure best texture.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with Swiss cheese or a blend for varied flavor.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat sour cream.
- Ensure to drain excess grease from beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- The French-fried onions add a crunchy texture; add just before serving for best crispness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
