Savory French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
This Savory French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Delight is a warm, comforting dish that blends lean ground beef, fluffy rice, and rich condensed French onion soup, topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, it offers a creamy, flavorful casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your family and guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole
- 1 lb Ground Beef (lean beef is healthier)
- 3 cups Cooked White Rice (long grain or jasmine rice yields the best results)
- 1 can Condensed French Onion Soup (a homemade version can elevate this dish)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Gruyère or provolone work for stronger flavor)
- 2 tbsp Butter (enhances richness when cooking the beef)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder (substitute fresh onions for robust taste)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (fresh garlic also works great)
- 1 tbsp Chopped Parsley (optional, as a fresh garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, ensuring easy removal of the casserole after baking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, then drain any excess fat for a lighter dish.
- Season the Beef: Stir in 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing well to evenly coat the meat with these flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef with 3 cups of cooked white rice, 1 can of condensed French onion soup, and 1 cup of sour cream. Stir until the mixture is well incorporated and creamy throughout.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, then top generously with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, covering every corner with cheesy goodness.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bright, fresh garnish before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old rice to improve texture and flavor absorption, preventing sogginess.
- Broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking if you desire a crispier, golden cheese topping—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Avoid overcooking ground beef to keep it juicy and tender.
- Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
- Do not freeze the casserole with cheese topping; add fresh cheese before baking after thawing.
Keywords: French Onion Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Rice Casserole, Comfort Food, Baked Casserole, Easy Dinner, One Dish Meal
