French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together the rich flavors of French onion soup, ground beef, and creamy rice, making it perfect for any dinner table. This recipe is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, providing a delicious meal that will warm your heart and fill your stomach. If you’re looking for a winning combination of flavors and textures, you’ve found it in this casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep time required.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday items that you likely already have in your pantry.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, making it a great family meal or potluck dish.
- Comfort Food: Combines the richness of French onion soup with the heartiness of beef and rice for ultimate satisfaction.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The melted mozzarella cheese on top brings everything together, creating a delightful flavor.
This casserole stands out for its unique blend of flavors that evoke memories of classic French onion soup while being simple enough for anyone to make.
Ingredients Needed
For the base:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups cooked white rice
For the sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
For the topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Note: Feel free to use leftover rice for added convenience!
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle in the onion powder and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the cooked beef, cooked rice, the condensed French onion soup, and the sour cream. Mix everything until well combined to create a creamy filling.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Top it off with an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy hot!
Serving and Storage Tips
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is best served warm right out of the oven. For a nice presentation, you can garnish with additional parsley.
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave portion by portion until hot.
Helpful Notes
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
- Cheese Variations: Try using different cheeses such as cheddar or a cheese blend for unique flavors.
Conclusion
The French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole brings comfort and flavor together in an easy-to-make dish your family will love. Its rich taste and hearty ingredients make it a perfect choice for any occasion. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to share on social media; it’s a dish worth posting. What variations did you try? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative and will still provide great flavor.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked casserole for up to 2 months. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, opt for a gluten-free condensed onion soup and ensure your substitute ingredients like rice and seasonings are gluten-free.
Print
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and hearty casserole combining the rich flavors of French onion soup, ground beef, and creamy rice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat.
- Sprinkle in the onion powder and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cooked beef, cooked rice, condensed French onion soup, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Top with an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy hot!
Notes
This casserole is great for leftovers and can be made in advance. It’s also freezer-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg