Description
Comforting French onion ground beef and rice casserole brings hearty midwestern kitchen magic to dinner tables. Melted cheese, caramelized onions, and savory beef combine for a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Main Vegetables and Base:
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) French onion soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy finish)
Instructions
- Prepare oven to 350F (175C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a perfect cooking environment for the casserole.
- Transform onions into golden, sweet delicacies by slowly sautéing in butter over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring periodically to ensure even caramelization.
- Brown ground beef in the same skillet, eliminating excess fat and enhancing flavor with garlic powder and black pepper.
- Create a harmonious mixture by combining browned beef, caramelized onions, cooked rice, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl.
- Distribute the blended ingredients evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer that promises consistent flavor in every bite.
- Elevate the casserole’s texture and taste by generously sprinkling mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional breadcrumbs across the surface.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the interior becomes bubbly, signaling a perfectly cooked, mouthwatering dish.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and accompany with a side salad or warm bread.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly over low to medium heat to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning, which can make them bitter and harsh.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the casserole soggy and heavy.
- Choose long-grain white rice or brown rice for best texture, ensuring it’s pre-cooked and slightly firm to maintain structure in the casserole.
- Customize cheese blend by using Swiss or Gruyère for more authentic French onion flavor, creating a richer and more complex taste profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 388 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg