Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and filling meal that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender ground beef and rice. The dish is topped with melted cheese for a creamy and indulgent finish, making it the perfect comfort food for any night of the week!
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or 1 cup uncooked rice, cooked according to package directions)
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1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup (or 2 cups homemade French onion broth)
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional: can use mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a different flavor)
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1 tablespoon soy sauce (for extra depth of flavor)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for extra flavor)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
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Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
2️⃣ Cook the Ground Beef and Onion:
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
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Add the chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
3️⃣ Mix the Casserole Filling:
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onions with the cooked rice, French onion soup, sour cream, soy sauce, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
4️⃣ Transfer to Baking Dish:
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
5️⃣ Top with Cheese:
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar (or cheese of your choice) evenly over the top of the casserole.
6️⃣ Bake the Casserole:
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Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
7️⃣ Serve:
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Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired.
8️⃣ Enjoy:
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Serve your French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
Notes
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Rice: If you don’t have cooked rice on hand, use 1 cup of uncooked rice and cook it according to the package instructions. You can also use leftover rice for a quicker meal.
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Flavor Variations: You can add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots, for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Make It Lighter: Use lean ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef, and opt for low-fat sour cream for a lighter version.
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Freezing Option: This casserole freezes well! To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until heated through.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 35 min