Introduction
Transform humble ground beef and rice into a comforting, flavorful casserole that’s sure to become a family staple! This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is packed with deliciousness and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready for a cozy meal that everyone will love.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it masterfully blends savory ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, and fluffy rice into a hearty and satisfying dish. It’s a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup, and it’s easily customizable to your family’s preferences. Plus, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck contribution!
Key Ingredients
- 🧅 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🍚 2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
- 🥣 4 cups beef broth
- 🥫 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onions until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. This step is key to the flavor!
3️⃣ Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
4️⃣ Stir in the rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5️⃣ Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the casserole is bubbly.
7️⃣ Sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
8️⃣ Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, use a combination of yellow and white onions.
- If you don’t have dried thyme, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves.
- Don’t overcook the rice; it will continue to cook in the oven.
Heat Control
The oven temperature of 350°F (175°C) ensures the rice cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly without burning. Lowering the temperature might result in undercooked rice, while increasing it risks burning the top.
Crunch Factor
While this casserole isn’t particularly crunchy, the caramelized onions add a delightful textural contrast to the soft rice and beef.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even quicker caramelization, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the onions while they cook.
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami flavor.
- Leftover cooked chicken or roast beef can be added for extra protein.
Storage Tips
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This casserole is perfect for potlucks or taking to a neighbor! A disposable aluminum pan with a festive ribbon makes a great presentation.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture.
🌟 Cheesy: Use a blend of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or pepper jack.
🌟 Herby: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or chives before serving.
🌟 Mushroomy: Sauté an extra cup of sliced mushrooms with the onions for a richer, earthier flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Casserole: If your casserole is too dry, add a little more beef broth while it’s baking.
- Undercooked Rice: If the rice is undercooked, bake for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
- Burnt Casserole: If the top is burning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen onions? While you can, fresh onions will give you the best flavor and caramelization.
- Can I use a different type of rice? Long-grain white rice is best for this recipe. Other types may result in a different texture.
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Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when ready.
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Can I freeze this casserole? Yes! Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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What can I serve with this casserole? A simple green salad or some crusty bread are perfect sides.
Conclusion
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think – we can’t wait to hear how much your family loves it! Share your photos and reviews on RateMyRecipes.com!
The BEST French Onion Beef & Rice Casserole Ever!
A hearty and comforting casserole combining tender beef, aromatic onions, and savory rice, baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups sliced onions
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 15 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic powder, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture, uncooked rice, and beef broth. Add the bay leaf and mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and stir the casserole.
- Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese on top and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, use homemade beef broth.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.