Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Meal: Simplifies cooking and reduces cleanup time.
- Quick Preparation: Ready for the oven in just a few simple steps.
- Family-Friendly: Flavors that appeal to both adults and children.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your preferred ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Lean ground beef
- Garlic salt
- Beef consommé
- French onion soup
- Water
- Long-grain white rice
- Butter
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with garlic salt until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Assemble Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rice and cooked ground beef. Pour in the beef consommé, French onion soup, and water. Stir until well combined.
- Add Butter: Slice the butter and distribute evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Fluff the casserole with a fork and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheese, such as Gruyère or cheddar, over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking for a melted, cheesy topping.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to add more nutrients and texture.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Adjust the baking time and add extra broth or water as needed.
2. Is it possible to substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
3. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
4. What can I serve alongside this casserole?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement this dish well.
5. How can I reduce the sodium content in this recipe?
Opt for low-sodium versions of the beef consommé and French onion soup, and adjust the garlic salt to taste.
6. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, place cooled portions in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
7. What type of cheese works best for the cheesy variation?
Gruyère or cheddar cheese are excellent choices for their melting qualities and flavor.
8. How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Ensure you’re using long-grain white rice and avoid overbaking.
9. Can I add a crunchy topping?
Yes, sprinkling French fried onions or breadcrumbs during the last few minutes of baking adds a delightful crunch.
10. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free versions of the soups and verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Easy French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Its simplicity and versatility ensure it will become a family favorite. Enjoy the comforting taste of this hearty casserole!
Easy French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty one-pot meal combining savory ground beef, tender rice, and flavorful French onion soup. This simple, family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef consommé
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 tbsp butter, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef seasoned with garlic salt. Drain excess fat.
- Assemble Casserole: In the greased dish, combine uncooked rice and cooked ground beef. Add beef consommé, French onion soup, and water. Mix well.
- Add Butter: Distribute sliced butter evenly on top of the mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until rice is tender and top is golden brown.
- Serve: Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
- For a cheesy variation, add shredded Gruyère or cheddar in the final 10 minutes of baking.
- To incorporate vegetables, mix in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or diced bell peppers.
- Use low-sodium consommé and soup to reduce sodium content.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
