French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole: A Cozy Comfort Food Delight
There’s something utterly comforting about a bubbling casserole that fills the kitchen with enticing aromas, isn’t there? As I stirred my bubbling pot of French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole the other day, I was whisked back to my childhood—where the warmth of family dinners wrapped us all in a tender embrace after long, chilly days. This dish is a delightful combination of tender beef, creamy sauces, and melting cheese, making it the perfect easy weeknight dinner that warms not just your tummy, but your heart as well. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for a cozy family dinner, everyone will love digging into this hearty casserole!
- Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and one skillet, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
- Comforting & Creamy: The blend of French onion and cream of mushroom soup creates a dreamy, creamy texture that soothes the soul.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a dish that’s sure to impress guests and satisfy even the pickiest eaters at the table.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to prepare in advance; just bake before serving!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients for French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup, condensed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s make this cozy dish together! Here’s how:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they are softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the cooked rice, stirring gently until everything is fully combined and coated in that creamy goodness.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the mixture evenly, spreading it out with a spatula.
- Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s generously covered for a perfect cheesy finish. Cover with foil.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Variations & Creative Twists
Let’s chat about some fun ways to customize this delicious casserole:
- Zesty Spin: Add a splash of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that livens things up.
- Veggie Delight: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a hearty, earthy addition full of nutrients.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Try incorporating different cheeses like pepper jack for a creamy yet spicy surprise or use gouda for a rich flavor profile.
- Protein Swap: For a lighter take, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or even a vegetarian option using beans or lentils.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To help you achieve casserole perfection, here are some of my best kitchen secrets:
- Make-Ahead Advice: This dish can be prepared the night before—just assemble everything in your baking dish and cover it. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake the next day!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of cream of mushroom soup, you can easily use cream of chicken or even a homemade béchamel sauce for a luxurious twist.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover and place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition Information per Serving
Here’s a breakdown of what’s inside this warm hug of a casserole:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 470
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 26g
- Sodium: 780mg
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve got answers to some of the common questions I often receive about this dish:
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Assemble it the night before and bake it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to customize the proteins or add in some veggies to suit your taste.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? The casserole will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days—if it lasts that long!
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in the form of food, reminding us of cherished moments spent around the table. Its creamy layers and melted cheese will leave you longing for seconds! Save this recipe to your easy weeknight dinner board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking, my dear friends!
Print
French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful combination of tender beef, creamy sauces, and melting cheese, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup, condensed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they are softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the cooked rice, stirring gently until everything is fully combined and coated in that creamy goodness.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the mixture evenly, spreading it out with a spatula.
- Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s generously covered for a perfect cheesy finish. Cover with foil.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Make-ahead friendly and customizable with various proteins or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, family dinner, ground beef, rice