Introduction
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you a delicious recipe that always brings warmth and comfort to my kitchen – French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. This hearty casserole combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender ground beef and rice, creating a satisfying dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Why You’ll Love This
I make this casserole when I need a quick and easy dinner option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! My family goes crazy for this dish because it’s packed with savory goodness and has a delightful cheesy topping that adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can cream of mushroom soup
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
4. Stir in the long-grain rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and cover it with foil.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole.
8. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
I’ve experimented with different variations of this recipe, and one of my favorites is adding a handful of sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions. It adds an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the French onion soup taste.
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can try using ground turkey instead of ground beef for a leaner option. Additionally, you can swap the mozzarella cheese for Swiss or Gruyere to give the casserole a slightly different flavor profile.
Equipment
While not essential, a cast-iron skillet works wonders for browning the ground beef and onions. If you don’t have one, a regular skillet will do the job just fine.
Storage Information
This casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Although, in my house, it never lasts more than a day as everyone always goes back for seconds!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. The crispness of the veggies provides a nice contrast to the creamy and cheesy casserole.
Pro Tips
One lesson I’ve learned from experience is not to rush the browning process of the ground beef. Taking the time to properly brown it adds depth and richness to the overall flavor of the casserole. Trust me; it’s worth the extra few minutes!
FAQ
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain rice?
A: Absolutely! Brown rice will work just fine in this recipe, but keep in mind that it may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Simply let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
A: While beef broth adds a rich flavor to the casserole, you can certainly use vegetable broth as a substitute if you prefer a vegetarian version of the dish.
So there you have it – my go-to French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole recipe. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling warm and cozy. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home too!
FRENCH ONION GROUND BEEF AND RICE CASSEROLE
A hearty casserole that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender ground beef, rice, and a cheesy topping. Perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it's no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
-
Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
-
Stir in the long-grain rice, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
-
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and cover it with foil.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
-
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole.
-
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.