French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cooking often evokes cherished memories. One of my favorite dishes from childhood is French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. The comforting aroma of caramelized onions fills the kitchen while it bakes, instantly making everything feel warm and inviting. Each bite of the rich beef, tender rice, and creamy sauce reminds me of chilly evenings spent around the dinner table with family.

The buttery, savory flavors meld together beautifully in this casserole, creating a dish that feels special yet is so simple to prepare. The golden, bubbly cheddar on top adds a delightful finish, making it irresistible. Whenever I bring this to a potluck, I know I’ll leave with an empty dish—everyone loves it!

Creating this casserole at home allows for a customizable experience. Whether you opt for a cozy family meal or want to impress guests, this dish delivers every time. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how to make this classic dish right in your own kitchen.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Fundamentals

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines familiar, comforting ingredients to create a delectable meal. This dish reflects the magic of making ordinary ingredients taste extraordinary. The core components include ground beef, onions, rice, and a creamy sauce, all topped with cheddar cheese. Each bite captures the essence of hearty comfort food, ensuring that it satisfies your hunger while also warming your soul.

Preparation/setup

Preparing this casserole begins with gathering your ingredients. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures the casserole bakes evenly, allowing all the flavors to meld perfectly. You’ll want to use a large skillet for browning the beef and cooking the onions, as this will simplify cleanup and cooking time.

Ingredients

This recipe calls for a handful of basic, yet flavorful, ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean/fat)
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup white long-grain rice (uncooked)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Drain most of the fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the skillet.
3. Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter and sliced onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the onions are golden-brown and sweet.
4. Add the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder into the skillet. Stir well to combine everything.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
6. Remove the casserole from the oven, take off the foil, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
7. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for golden spots (watch carefully).
8. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.

French Onion Ground Beef Bake

Technique

The technique used in crafting the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is straightforward yet crucial. Browning the beef properly develops rich flavors, while sautéing the onions until they caramelize brings out their natural sweetness. The combination of these techniques elevates your dish to a whole new level.

Tips/tricks

To ensure success, follow these simple tips:

• When browning the beef, break it into small pieces to achieve even cooking.
• Allow the onions to cook until golden-brown and fragrant; this step enhances the flavor profile.
• For added depth, consider incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.

Enhancing Your French Onion Casserole

Perfecting results

Perfecting the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole may take a few tries, especially regarding oven temperatures and timing. If the cheese doesn’t melt to your liking, broil it for a minute or two, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Ensuring the rice has enough moisture during baking is key for a dreamy, creamy texture.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you find your casserole is too dry, ensure you’re using enough beef broth for moisture. On the other hand, if it’s too wet, consider reducing the broth slightly next time. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, for varied flavors.

Serving Your Casserole Delight

Serving/presentation

Once the casserole is done baking, let it rest before serving. This waiting period allows the flavors to settle into a harmonious blend. For presentation, scoop portions into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives.

Pairings/storage

While French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole shines alone, consider serving it with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for balance. This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days; simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Serving this casserole at family gatherings or weeknight dinners brings smiles and satisfaction. Each bite of ground beef, tender rice, and creamy sauce fuses into a perfect harmony, proving that comfort food can indeed bring people closer together.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting casserole featuring ground beef, caramelized onions, and rice in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean/fat)
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup white long-grain rice (uncooked)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Drain most of the fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the skillet.
4. Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter and sliced onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the onions are golden-brown and sweet.
5. Add the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder into the skillet. Stir well to combine everything.
6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the casserole from the oven, take off the foil, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for golden spots (watch carefully).
9. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For added depth, consider incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. This casserole pairs well with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, French onion, comfort food, easy recipe