This article explains a recipe called French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
The dish mixes ground beef with French onion soup mix, rice, and other common items.
The recipe uses long-grain white rice and combines flavors such as caramelized onions, beef broth, and shredded Swiss cheese.
The dish is made in a one-pot style and is both freezer-friendly and budget-friendly.
It is a warm meal that fits weeknights and cozy family dinners.
Every step uses simple actions, and every item is measured with care.
What are French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole?
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a dish that blends ground beef, french onion soup, and rice into one casserole.
It uses diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and condensed beef broth.
The recipe calls for pre-cooking some ingredients and ricing the ground beef to make it melty.
The result is a hearty, one-pot meal with simple steps.
This dish is ideal for busy cooks who need a savory meal that is also freezer-safe and reheatable.
Its flavors include the tang of Worcestershire sauce, the creaminess of shredded cheese, and the zest of diced Vidalia onions.
Ingredients for Making French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Ground Beef – Use pound ground beef that is browned and, if needed, fat ground beef.
- French Onion Soup Mix – Combine the mix with beef broth and water for a rich base.
- Rice – Long-grain white rice is preferred; you can use uncooked rice that turns tender.
- Cheese Options – Shredded Swiss cheese, gruyère, or mozzarella add melty creaminess.
- Additional Broth – Use condensed beef broth or reduced-sodium beef broth.
- Vegetables – Include diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped mushrooms.
- Flavor Enhancers – Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and a dash of balsamic vinegar.
- Herbs and Spices – Use dried thyme, thyme salt, paprika, and pepper to taste.
- Optional Items – Add taco rice for an extra twist, or include gluten-free taco rice for a healthier variant.
- Other Items – Use cream of mushroom soup, pre-cooked ingredients, or even store-bought items for convenience.
- Extra Touches – Drizzle olive oil and add a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Directions for Making French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Step 1
Gather all ingredients. Place ground beef, french onion soup mix, beef broth, and long-grain white rice on hand. Use diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and any extra items like taco rice or gluten-free taco rice as needed. Ensure the cheese options such as shredded Swiss, gruyère, or mozzarella are ready. Check that your skillet or prepared baking dish is greased for the next steps.
Step 2
Heat the large skillet over medium heat. Add the pound of ground beef and let it brown. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the diced onions and garlic until they become tender. Mix in the pre-cooked ingredients along with the uncooked rice, condensed beef broth, and a spoonful of cream of mushroom soup. Next, add the French onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and a dash of balsamic vinegar. Let the mixture come to a simmer in one pot. Then, incorporate shredded cheese and allow it to melt to create a gooey and melty topping. Continue to cook until the rice is tender and the casserole reaches a bubbly state.
Step 3
Preheat the oven if you plan to bake the casserole. Transfer the skillet mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly and top with extra shredded cheese, diced mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of cheddar if you prefer a cheesy crust. Cover with foil if needed and bake until the dish is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4
Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The dish can be served immediately or cooled and stored in an airtight container. For reheating, use a microwave or oven, and add a little water to keep the rice from drying out.
Expert Tips for Making French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Expert cooks suggest that browning the ground beef thoroughly is key.
They advise that you must precook the beef and then riced it for a melty texture.
Use a large skillet to allow even heating. If you use fat ground beef, drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.
Some add diced vidalia onions and minced garlic for a sharper flavor.
A budget-friendly twist involves mixing in extra taco rice or gluten free taco rice.
Experts say to stir in the liquids slowly and let the broth reduce for a richer taste.
They also recommend a one-pot method to keep cleanup simple.
The dish works well as a hearty meal on weeknights and can be stored for later use.
Things that I Can Serve with French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Serve this casserole with a green salad or a side of steamed vegetables.
You may add a simple green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon.
A side of garlic bread or a small bowl of tomato soup makes a good match.
The dish pairs well with crisp, fresh vegetables that contrast its rich, cheesy flavor.
A light and refreshing side helps balance the heavier flavors of the french onion soup mix and beef broth.
This meal is designed to please both a family and individual servings, offering a variety of side choices that complement the main item.
Topping Options for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Shredded swiss
- Gruyère
- Mozzarella
- Diced mushrooms
- Sliced tomatoes
- Cheddar and mozzarella mix
- Caramelized onions
- Extra minced garlic
- Dash of paprika
- Fried onions
- Tomato salsa
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Store the casserole in an airtight container once it cools.
The dish is freezer-friendly and freezer-safe if wrapped tightly.
You may choose to store it in portions to use as leftovers. For reheating, use a microwave or oven, and add a splash of water to keep the rice tender.
When reheating in a skillet, use low-sodium beef broth to prevent drying out.
Follow safe practices to ensure that reheated portions reach a safe serving temperature.
If you plan to defrost, let the container thaw in the fridge overnight.
This method helps maintain the texture of the melted cheese and the tender rice.
Ways to Cook French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
There are several ways to cook this casserole. One option is to use a slow cooker.
In a slow cooker, add all the ingredients along with beef broth, and let them cook over several hours on low heat.
You may also cook it in a large skillet over medium heat and then transfer it to a preheated oven.
Some cooks like to use a one-pot method that involves browning the beef first and then mixing in the soup mix, rice, and vegetables.
Another way is to prepare a free taco rice casserole variant by mixing in taco rice and seasoning the beef with soy sauce and reduced-sodium beef broth.
Each method produces a hearty and satisfying dish with a melty, gooey finish.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use gluten-free taco rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free taco rice. The dish remains hearty and low-sodium while offering an alternative grain option.
Q2: How do I precook the ground beef?
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat and then mix in the diced onions and garlic.
Q3: Is the casserole freezer-friendly?
The casserole is freezer-friendly and freezer-safe when stored in an airtight container. You may also reheat it in a microwave or oven.
Q4: What cheeses work best in this dish?
You may use shredded Swiss, gruyère, or mozzarella. Each cheese adds its unique creaminess and flavor.
Q5: Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, add diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, or chopped celery to the dish. These items enhance the flavors without changing the texture.
Conclusion
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a simple dish that offers rich flavor.
The recipe uses common items like ground beef, french onion soup, and long-grain white rice.
This meal is ideal for weeknights and can be stored for later use.
The method is straightforward and works for busy cooks.
Enjoy the hearty taste of this dish with your favorite side items.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet for browning the ground beef
- 1 Baking Dish to transfer the mixture if baking
- 1 Pressure Cooker (optional) if you prefer a one-step cooking process
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef – use pound ground beef and brown it well
- 1 packet french onion soup mix
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – uncooked
- 1/2 cup shredded swiss cheese – or gruyère/mozzarella
- 1 cup condensed beef broth – or reduced sodium beef broth
- 1 cup diced onions – with extra minced garlic as preferred
- Optional: diced tomatoes sliced mushrooms, taco rice, or gluten free taco rice for extra texture and flavor
Instructions
- Step 1
- Gather all the equipment and ingredients. Place the ground beef, french onion soup mix, rice, vegetables, and cheese on hand.
- Step 2
- Heat the large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and then the ground beef. Brown the meat and drain any excess fat. Add diced onions and minced garlic; stir until softened.
- Step 3
- Mix in the uncooked long-grain white rice, condensed beef broth, and french onion soup mix. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer. Stir in any extra ingredients like taco rice or gluten free taco rice if using.
- Step 4
- If baking, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and any extra toppings such as diced mushrooms. Cover with foil if desired and bake until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 5
- Remove from heat or oven. Let the dish rest for a few minutes. Serve warm or store in an airtight container for later use.
Notes
- This dish works well as a freezer-safe meal. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of water.
- Adjust spices and add extra toppings to suit personal taste.
