Description
Hearty French onion ground beef and rice casserole delivers comforting midwestern flavors with a delightful twist of caramelized onions and melted cheese. Savory layers blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that welcomes you to enjoy every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven & Dish: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray.
- Meat Preparation: In a large skillet, sauté ground beef over medium heat until thoroughly browned, eliminating any excess fat.
- Aromatic Development: Introduce sliced onions to the pan, allowing them to caramelize and soften. Incorporate minced garlic, briefly sautéing to release its fragrant essence.
- Flavor Fusion: Integrate Worcestershire sauce, French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, uncooked rice, seasonings, and herbs. Blend thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Casserole Assembly: Transfer the robust mixture into the prepared baking dish, sealing tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and flavors.
- Baking Process: Place in preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes. Uncover, stir gently, and verify rice tenderness. Extend baking time if needed to achieve perfect texture.
- Cheese & Topping Finale: Generously sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses across the surface. Crown with crispy fried onions. Return to oven uncovered for 5-10 minutes until cheese becomes gloriously melted and golden.
- Serving: Allow casserole to rest briefly, letting flavors meld, then serve this comforting, hearty dish directly from the baking dish.
Notes
- Use high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for maximum flavor and prevent dryness during cooking.
- Slowly cook onions on medium-low heat to develop deep, rich sweetness without burning, stirring occasionally for even browning.
- Use long-grain rice and ensure proper liquid ratio to prevent undercooked or mushy rice; consider pre-rinsing rice to remove excess starch.
- Remove casserole from oven when cheese is just melted to avoid overcooking and maintain creamy, smooth cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg