Imagine the heavenly aroma of caramelized onions wafting through your kitchen while you prepare a dish that feels as cozy as a warm hug on a chilly night. This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that will have everyone clamoring for seconds before they even finish their first plate. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavors that dance on your palate like a Broadway musical—only this one tastes way better than anything you’ll see on stage.

Now, let me take you back to my childhood when I first tried this delightful dish at a potluck dinner. My friends’ mom had brought it along, and let me tell you; it vanished faster than my willpower at a bakery. The laughter around the table mixed with the savory smells made it an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole brings everyone together—and trust me; they won’t just come for the company.

I still remember how my friend declared it “life-changing” after her first bite—who knew ground beef could spark such profound revelations?

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep excess grease at bay while maximizing flavor.
• Onions: Use sweet onions for caramelization; they add depth without overwhelming heat.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice works best here; it absorbs all those tasty juices beautifully.
• Beef Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess; feel free to swap with cream of onion if desired.
• Shredded Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar gives gooeyness—because cheese makes everything better!
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme elevate the taste profile without overpowering it.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing onions; choose extra virgin for additional flavor.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your favorite baking dish with nonstick spray—it’ll help keep cleanup easy after we dive into this cheesy goodness.

Sauté Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté sliced onions until they turn golden brown—about 10-15 minutes. The sweet smell will pull you in like a moth to a flame.

Cook the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet with those lovely onions. Break it apart as it cooks until browned—approximately 5-7 minutes—and season generously with salt and pepper.

Stir in Rice: Stir in uncooked rice along with garlic powder and thyme. Mix well to coat every grain with flavor before adding beef broth and cream of mushroom soup.

Combine Everything: Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish evenly. Top generously with shredded cheese because we all know cheese is where the magic happens!

Bake Away: Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil (shiny side down) and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until bubbly. Remove foil last 10 minutes to achieve golden perfection on top.

Serve hot from the oven—your taste buds are about to embark on an unforgettable journey! Enjoy every spoonful of this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole while basking in compliments from friends or family as they come back for more!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions until caramelized, then brown the beef. Add rice and broth last for a perfectly cooked casserole.

Add Your Touch

Mix in some mushrooms or fresh herbs like thyme to elevate flavors. You can even swap ground beef for turkey or chicken.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of chilly nights spent with friends around my kitchen table, laughter echoing through the air as we devoured this delicious dish together.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes for better results.

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Absolutely! Substitute beef with lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.

What cheese works best for topping?

Gruyère cheese is traditional, but mozzarella or cheddar also work deliciously well!

Print

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting one-pan meal that combines savory beef, sweet onions, and creamy cheese for a dish your family will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 large sweet onions
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Thyme

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Sauté sliced onions in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown (10-15 minutes).
3. Add ground beef; cook until browned (5-7 minutes), seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in uncooked rice, garlic powder, and thyme until well coated. Mix in beef broth and cream of mushroom soup.
5. Transfer to the greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, mix in sautéed mushrooms or fresh herbs like thyme. - Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.