Savory French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Imagine diving into a bubbling dish of French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole—its rich aroma wafting through the kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day. Each spoonful brims with savory beef, tender rice, and the unmistakable sweetness of caramelized onions that would make even a gourmet chef weep with joy. This is not just food; it’s an experience that tickles your taste buds while wrapping you in nostalgia.

I first stumbled upon this delightful dish during a family gathering where my Aunt Judy was trying to impress us with her “fancy” cooking skills. Little did she know that her simple casserole would steal the show (and our hearts). Now, every time I whip up this recipe, it takes me back to those beautiful memories of laughter around the dinner table.

I can still hear my cousin’s delighted exclamation when he took his first bite of this casserole—it was pure bliss!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Opt for long-grain rice; it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Onions: Sweet onions are best for caramelizing; they add depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels without losing flavor.
• French Onion Soup Mix: This adds authentic French onion flavor without all the fuss of making it from scratch.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: It creates a creamy texture; feel free to substitute with cream of chicken soup if preferred.
• Shredded Cheese: Choose your favorite melting cheese—Swiss or mozzarella works perfectly here!
• Pepper and Salt: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Prepping everything ensures a smooth cooking process without frantic searching mid-recipe.

Sauté Onions Until Golden Brown: In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Add sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown and fragrant—about 10-15 minutes.

Brown the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, increase heat slightly and add ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula while cooking until browned and cooked through—approximately 7-10 minutes.

Add Rice and Broth Mixture: Stir in rinsed rice along with beef broth and French onion soup mix. Bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low for simmering—this helps absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Combine Everything in Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Pour cream of mushroom soup over the top and sprinkle shredded cheese generously—it creates that irresistible melty layer everyone loves.

Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) before popping your casserole inside for 30-35 minutes until bubbling around the edges. The aroma will drive you wild!

Enjoy serving this heartwarming casserole at your next family dinner or cozy night in! It’s sure to become a favorite that’s requested time after time.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef, then sauté onions until caramelized before mixing in rice and broth for optimal flavor.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor. You can also swap white rice for brown rice for a healthier option.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Sometimes, I make this casserole when friends visit. They rave about it, and I’m just waiting for someone to ask for the secret ingredient—it’s love, of course!

FAQ

What can I substitute for ground beef in this casserole?

Ground turkey or chicken works great instead of ground beef for a lighter dish.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day before and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

How long does this casserole last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for about three days when stored properly in an airtight container.

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📖 Recipe Card

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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, creamy rice, and sweet caramelized onions for a delightful family meal.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 large sweet onions
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté sliced onions until golden brown (10-15 minutes).
3. Increase heat, add ground beef, and cook until browned (7-10 minutes).
4. Stir in rinsed rice, beef broth, and French onion soup mix; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer.
5. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg