French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Description:

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal packed with the savory flavors of caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty casserole delivers all the taste of classic French onion soup in a satisfying and easy-to-make dish.

Origin:

A modern twist on the classic French onion soup, this casserole combines its deep, savory flavors with the heartiness of ground beef and rice for a comforting, family-friendly meal.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz/300g) French onion soup (condensed)
• 1 can (10.5 oz/300g) cream of mushroom soup (condensed)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.

Cook the Ground Beef:

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Caramelize the Onions:

3. In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized (about 10-15 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Combine the Casserole Ingredients:

4. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked ground beef, caramelized onions, condensed soups, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and uncooked rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble and Bake:

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rice is tender.

Serve:

7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• For extra flavor, use Gruyère cheese for a traditional French onion soup touch.
• If using brown rice, increase the cooking time and add an extra 1/2 cup of broth.
• Make sure to cover the casserole tightly with foil during the first bake to ensure the rice cooks evenly.

Recommendations:

• Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate for 6 servings):

• Calories: ~400
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a cozy, flavorful dish that brings everyone to the table for seconds. Enjoy the taste of comfort in every bite!