Description
This comforting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines seasoned ground beef, fluffy cooked rice, and the rich flavor of condensed French onion soup, all baked to perfection with a melty mozzarella cheese topping. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that delivers on taste and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (lean recommended)
- 3 cups Cooked White Rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 can Condensed French Onion Soup
- 1 cup Sour Cream (or Greek yogurt as a lower-fat substitute)
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Butter (or olive oil as a lighter alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, melt about one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Season the Beef: Season the cooked ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and seasoned ground beef with the cooked white rice, condensed French onion soup, and sour cream. Gently fold the mixture until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the beef and rice mixture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh and colorful finish.
Notes
- Using day-old rice helps absorb the flavors better and prevents the casserole from becoming mushy.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and butter with olive oil.
- Try swapping mozzarella with Gruyère or provolone cheese for additional flavor variations.
- Homemade French onion soup can be used instead of canned for a fresher taste.
- This casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Adding vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers can boost nutrition and flavor.
