This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a cozy meal that combines tasty beef, hearty rice, and rich onion flavor. Plus, it’s all baked together in one dish—less mess!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I used lean ground beef for a balanced flavor. If you’re looking to cut down on fat, ground turkey or chicken can work as great substitutes. You can even try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option!
Onion: A medium onion is perfect here, but if you’re a fan of sweetness, you might want to go for a sweet onion, like Vidalia. If you’re short on onions, you can use onion powder, though fresh brings a unique taste.
Rice: The recipe calls for cooked rice, and I love using white or brown rice. Quinoa can be a nice alternative for a healthier twist, adding protein and fiber to your dish!
French Onion Soup: This gives a wonderful flavor base. If you’re avoiding canned soup, homemade beef broth with caramelized onions and seasoning can be a great alternative. Use about 2 cups for a similar effect.
Sour Cream: For creaminess, I enjoy using sour cream. Greek yogurt is an excellent low-fat alternative that still provides a creamy texture without sacrificing flavor!
How to Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is key to developing that rich taste in this casserole. Patience is essential here. Start by heating a skillet over medium heat, adding olive oil, and then the sliced onions.
- Cook the onions for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and turn golden brown.
- Don’t rush! Lower the heat if you find them browning too fast; you want them to cook slowly for the best flavor.
Once they’re perfectly caramelized, mix them with ground beef for a delicious depth of flavor in your casserole.
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) French onion soup
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll have it ready to serve in under one hour! Perfect for a comforting meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and get that nice, bubbly cheese topping.
2. Sauté the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them until they’re softened and caramelized, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure they don’t burn—this will bring out their sweet flavor!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go. Once it’s nicely cooked, drain off any excess fat.
4. Season the Mixture:
Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This step helps blend all those flavors beautifully.
5. Combine the Rice Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, French onion soup, and sour cream. Mix all these ingredients together until they’re well combined. This will be the base of your casserole!
6. Mix Everything Together:
Next, carefully fold the beef and onion mixture into the rice mixture. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so every bite is flavorful!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the entire mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. This helps it cook nicely.
8. Add Cheese on Top:
Now it’s time for the best part—sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole. Yum!
9. Bake the Casserole:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy your hearty French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be leaner, so you might want to add a little extra olive oil or a splash of broth to help keep the casserole moist during baking.
Can I Substitute Another Type of Cheese?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or provolone. Just make sure to shred the cheese for even melting. Mixing a few types can add extra depth of flavor!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the whole casserole and assemble it up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
