Description
This French onion ground beef and rice casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal that combines savory ground beef, aromatic onions, fluffy rice, and rich French onion soup, all topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this easy-to-make casserole bakes in under an hour and serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
Grains
- 1 cup uncooked rice
Liquids and Soup
- 1 can French onion soup (approx. 10.5 oz)
- 2 cups beef broth
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the diced onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, enhancing its sweetness and flavor.
- Brown ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and cook until the meat is thoroughly browned and no longer pink.
- Add liquids and rice: Stir in the French onion soup and beef broth, then add the uncooked rice to the skillet. Mix everything together well, and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Bake casserole: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spread evenly, and cover the top with shredded cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use beef broth with low sodium to control salt levels better.
- You can substitute shredded cheese with mozzarella or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for different textures.
- If you prefer softer rice, you can partially cook the rice before adding it to the mixture.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
