Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal that combines savory ground beef, aromatic French onion soup, hearty rice, and diced tomatoes, all baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and delivers a deliciously rich taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Soups and Sauces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up continuously as it cooks. Brown the meat for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat. Stir in garlic powder, dried thyme if using, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions until fully cooked. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cooked rice, French onion soup, and undrained diced tomatoes. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Bake the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbling around the edges.
- Add the Cheese (Optional): Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for the last 5 minutes of baking or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the beef cooking step.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
- If you prefer, swap the French onion soup with beef broth and add caramelized onions for a fresher taste.
