Description
This French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring savory ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, and tender rice baked together in a rich French onion soup and beef broth mixture. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an easy, hearty dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or blend)
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Pantry
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Onions: Add butter and the thinly sliced onions to the same skillet. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown, developing a rich caramelized flavor.
- Simmer Mixture: Return the browned beef to the skillet. Pour in the French onion soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for about 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it is evenly coated with the flavorful liquid mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake Casserole: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed fully.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- For a cheesier variation, use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Substitute beef broth with low-sodium vegetable broth to reduce sodium content.
- Make sure to cover the casserole tightly while baking to prevent dryness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
