There’s just something so comforting about a warm, bubbling casserole coming out of the oven, isn’t there? This easy French onion beef and rice casserole recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I want to whip up something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the aroma of caramelized onions filled the house, and when we sat down to eat, everyone had seconds and even thirds! It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is to throw together and how satisfying it is to eat!
Ingredients List
For this easy French onion beef and rice casserole recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice (I usually go for long-grain, but any type works!)
- 2 cups beef broth (homemade is best, but store-bought works just fine)
- 1 onion, sliced thinly (don’t worry, the caramelization is worth the tears!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup (the star of the show here!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using cheddar or Swiss, but feel free to get creative!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (you can never go wrong with a pinch of both!)
Make sure to have everything measured out before you start cooking—it makes the process so much smoother! And remember, if you have a favorite cheese or want to try something new, go for it! This casserole is super forgiving and adapts beautifully to your taste.
How to Prepare the Easy French Onion Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making this delicious casserole! It’s super straightforward and perfect for even the busiest of nights. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting dish ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to getting that beautiful, bubbly finish!
- Next, grab a skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it into small pieces as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, toss in the sliced onions. Cook them together until the onions are softened and slightly caramelized—this adds so much flavor! It should take another 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onions with the uncooked rice, beef broth, and that can of French onion soup. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
- Now, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but anything similar will work!
- Top it off with your shredded cheese, sprinkling it generously over the entire dish.
- Finally, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Trust me, the aroma is going to be irresistible!
And there you have it! A simple yet satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Flavorful layers of beef, cheese, and onions create a comforting dish.
- One-pan meal means less cleanup—a win in my book!
- Hearty and satisfying, it’s sure to please the whole family.
Tips for Success
To make sure your easy French onion beef and rice casserole recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by:
- Don’t rush the onions! Make sure to cook them until they’re soft and caramelized. This adds so much depth to the dish.
- Use a good quality beef broth. It really enhances the overall flavor of your casserole. If you can, go for homemade!
- Check the rice. Since cooking times can vary, make sure the rice is tender before taking it out of the oven.
- Let it rest. After you take it out, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. It helps everything set up nicely!
With these tips, you’ll be the casserole queen (or king) in no time!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to use what you have on hand, there are plenty of ways to tweak this casserole! For a healthier twist, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. If you’re not a fan of rice, try using quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Want to sneak in some veggies? Feel free to add frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or even spinach to the mix! As for cheese, any melty cheese will work—think mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for a little kick. Get creative!
Nutritional Information
This easy French onion beef and rice casserole recipe is not only comforting but also reasonably balanced! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this delicious dish without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this easy French onion beef and rice casserole recipe? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What if I don’t have French onion soup? No worries! You can use a combination of beef broth and some sautéed onions with a splash of soy sauce for a similar flavor.
How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can! Just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly and storing it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—I’m here to help you enjoy this delicious dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this easy French onion beef and rice casserole recipe is a breeze! Just let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through—usually about 15-20 minutes. If it’s been frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Trust me, it tastes just as good the second time around!
Print
Easy French Onion Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe for All
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious French onion beef and rice casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can French onion soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook until softened.
- In a large bowl, mix beef, rice, beef broth, and French onion soup.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Cover with cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until rice is cooked.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables.
- Use any cheese you prefer.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: easy french onion beef and rice casserole recipe
