French Onion Ground Beef And Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to French Onion Ground Beef And Rice Casserole
If you’re looking for a warm and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please, look no further than this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. This hearty meal combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with savory ground beef and fluffy rice, creating a delightful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this casserole is bound to be a hit!
A Personal Story Behind My French Onion Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table to enjoy hearty meals together. One of my favorites was a casserole my grandmother made, filled with comforting flavors and love. Over the years, I’ve adapted that recipe into my own version, adding the deliciousness of French onion soup to create a dish that not only brings back fond memories but also warms the hearts of those who share it with me.
What Makes This French Onion Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out due to its simplicity and the incredible flavor it packs into every bite. The combination of beef consomme and French onion soup provides a rich, savory base, while the melted butter adds a luxurious touch. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences or ingredient substitutions, making it a fantastic choice for any household.
The Full French Onion Ground Beef And Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ to 1 tsp garlic salt, or to taste
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) beef consomme
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) French onion soup
- ¾ cup water
- 2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with garlic salt until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rice and the crumbled, cooked ground beef. Pour in the beef consomme, French onion soup, and water. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
- Place the sliced butter evenly over the top of the mixture. This will melt and create a rich sauce while it bakes.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps the rice cook thoroughly.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes. For a cheesy and crispy topping, sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Once fully cooked, fluff the casserole gently with a fork, serve warm, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for French Onion Ground Beef And Rice Casserole
This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further by serving it with a crisp green salad or freshly baked bread. If you want to switch things up, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor. You can also use brown rice instead of white for added fiber, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Ground Beef And Rice Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two before baking.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions.
Can I use other types of meat?
While this recipe is designed for ground beef, you could experiment with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: Not specified
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Calories per Serving: Not specified
Servings: Not specified
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish Essential for baking the casserole.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt or to taste
- 2 cans beef consomme (10.5 ounces each)
- 2 cans French onion soup (10.5 ounces each)
- 0.75 cup water
- 2 cups long grain white rice uncooked
- 0.75 cup butter (1 ½ sticks), sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with garlic salt until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rice and the crumbled, cooked ground beef. Pour in the beef consomme, French onion soup, and water. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
- Place the sliced butter evenly over the top of the mixture. This will melt and create a rich sauce while it bakes.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps the rice cook thoroughly.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes. For a cheesy and crispy topping, sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Once fully cooked, fluff the casserole gently with a fork, serve warm, and enjoy!