French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the savory goodness of ground beef, the rich flavors of French onion soup, and the heartiness of rice. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving a satisfying one-pan meal. In this recipe, you’ll discover how easy it is to make this flavorful casserole, along with some tips for variations and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Customizable: You can tweak ingredients to fit dietary preferences.
• One-pan convenience: Easy preparation with minimal cleanup.
• Family-friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.
• Rich in flavor: A combination of beef, onions, cheese, and spices creates an irresistible taste.

What You Need to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole combines a few simple ingredients to create a rich and filling meal. You’ll need:

• Ground beef – the base of the casserole, providing protein and flavor.
• Rice – white rice is typically used, but brown rice is an option for a healthier alternative.
• French onion soup – the key ingredient for the signature onion flavor.
• Beef consommé – for added depth and richness.
• Swiss cheese – adds a creamy, melty topping that’s key to this casserole’s appeal.
• French fried onions – these crispy onions add texture and a burst of flavor.

How to make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:

This recipe can be prepped, made partially ahead of time, and can even be frozen after baking! Oh, and it lasts a full week in the refrigerator, so it’s great for meal prep too. let’s start

Instructions:

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Start the Rice

• In the prepared baking dish, combine French onion soup and condensed beef broth.
• Using the empty beef broth can, fill it with reduced sodium beef broth and pour it into the baking dish.
• Stir in the rice, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
• Place thin slices of butter on top of the rice mixture.

First Bake

• Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 30 minutes.

Cook the Onion, Beef, and Mushroom Mixture

• While the rice is baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Once hot, drizzle a bit of olive oil into the skillet, then add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Remove the onion and set aside on a plate.
• Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, garlic powder, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook, breaking the beef apart, for 4-5 minutes or until it is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
• Return the skillet to the heat and add the sliced mushrooms and dried thyme. Cook until the mushrooms are golden brown, about 5 minutes.
• Once mushrooms are cooked, add the cooked beef and onions back into the skillet. Stir in soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce (if using), mixing well to combine.

Combine with the Partially Baked Rice

• After the rice has baked for 30 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven but keep the oven on.
• Uncover the dish and stir in the beef and mushroom mixture evenly with the rice.

Second Bake

• Return the baking dish to the oven (without covering) and bake for an additional 25 minutes.

Add Topping

• After baking, remove the dish from the oven but leave the oven on.
• Top the casserole with mozzarella cheese and fried onions (if using).

Final Bake

• Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the fried onions are golden brown.

Enjoy your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole! It’s a warm, savory dish perfect for any occasion.

Customizing Your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for customizing the recipe to fit your tastes:

• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free French fried onions and make sure your beef consommé is gluten-free. You can also swap the rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and use a plant-based protein such as lentils, tofu, or tempeh.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to increase the vegetable content of the dish.
• Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mix.

Serving Suggestions for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

• Side Dishes: This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or some crispy garlic bread.
• Presentation: Serve in individual portions with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color.

FAQs About French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used as a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that it may take slightly longer to cook.

How can I make the casserole spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for an extra kick. You can also use spicy French onion soup.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?

If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, try using cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone for a different flavor profile.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Conclusion

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender ground beef, savory French onion flavors, and creamy cheese. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a satisfying dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to try variations and adjust the recipe to suit your tastes!

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