Hello, food lovers! If you’re searching for a hearty and satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare, look no further. This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines savory flavors, creamy textures, and minimal prep for a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck favorite, this casserole will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Introduction
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food. Combining tender rice, flavorful ground beef, and the rich taste of French onion soup, this dish is both filling and indulgent. The best part? It’s made with pantry-friendly ingredients and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The buttery topping and golden baked crust add the perfect finishing touch, ensuring that this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole:
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
- ½ to 1 tsp garlic salt, or to taste
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) beef consomme
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) French onion soup
- 180ml (¾ cup) water
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 170g (¾ cup) butter, sliced (1 ½ sticks)
These simple ingredients come together beautifully, creating a flavorful dish that’s sure to please.
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Follow these step-by-step instructions for a delicious and hassle-free dinner:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Add garlic salt and break the beef into crumbles as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, then remove from heat.
- Spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly across the prepared baking dish. Add the cooked ground beef on top, spreading it out to ensure even distribution.
- Pour in the beef consomme, French onion soup, and water. Gently stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients while ensuring the rice is submerged.
- Lay the sliced butter evenly across the top of the mixture. This will help create a rich and creamy flavor as the casserole bakes.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and steam, ensuring the rice cooks evenly. Bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. This allows the top to turn golden and slightly crispy.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to ensure the butter and juices are well incorporated.
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings and is perfect for reheating as leftovers.
Cooking Tips
- Choose the Right Rice: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and fluffiness. Avoid instant rice, as it may turn mushy.
- Adjust the Garlic Salt: Start with ½ teaspoon and add more if desired, especially if using low-sodium soups.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle shredded cheese, such as Gruyère or cheddar, over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Serving Suggestions
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables or a crisp side salad. You can also serve it alongside warm dinner rolls for a complete and hearty meal. For beverages, iced tea or a light red wine, like Pinot Noir, complements the savory flavors perfectly.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this casserole provides a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content:
- Calories: 480
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 920mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Calcium: 8%
- Iron: 15%
This dish is filling and indulgent, perfect for satisfying your hunger after a long day.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, use the microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through.
Freezing: You can also freeze this casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be a lighter alternative. The flavors will be slightly different, but it’s a great option for those watching their red meat intake.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Diced carrots, peas, or sautéed mushrooms make excellent additions and add extra nutrients.
What’s the best way to keep the rice from sticking?
Be sure to stir the liquid and rice thoroughly before baking to prevent any dry patches. Covering the dish with foil during the initial baking period helps trap steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few others to try:
- Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Ravioli Soup Recipe
- Tuxedo Cheesecake Recipe
- Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe
Conclusion
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a true classic—easy to prepare, rich in flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is always a hit. Try it out today and enjoy the cozy, satisfying flavors that only a casserole can deliver. Happy cooking!