INTRODUCTION
French Onion Beef Rice Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with hearty ground beef and fluffy rice. This meal is perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. It’s simple to make and pleasing to both adults and kids alike. With just a handful of ingredients and some easy steps, you can create a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love French Onion Beef Rice Casserole for several reasons. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Secondly, the combination of savory beef, creamy French onion soup, and tender rice creates a wonderful flavor profile that leaves everyone asking for seconds. Additionally, this casserole has a comforting, homestyle feel that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Finally, it is also very versatile, meaning you can easily customize it to your liking or to accommodate dietary needs.
HOW TO MAKE French Onion Beef Rice Casserole
French Onion Beef Rice Casserole may sound fancy, but it’s actually quite straightforward to make. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of what you need and how to combine everything to create this mouthwatering dish.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Before we dive into the ingredients and directions, gather the following equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking spray
- Aluminum foil
- Fork (for fluffing the rice)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ to 1 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) beef consume
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) French onion soup
- ¾ cup water
- 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice (not minute rice)
- ¾ cup butter (1½ sticks), sliced
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
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Get your oven nice and hot by preheating it to 425°F. While it’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good spray with cooking spray.
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Pull out your favorite large skillet and brown that ground beef with a sprinkle of garlic salt until it’s perfectly cooked through. Break it up as it cooks so you get nice, even crumbles.
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In your prepared baking dish, mix together the rice and that freshly browned beef. Pour in all the good stuff – the soups, broth, and water. Give everything a good stir until it’s well combined.
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Take your sliced butter and arrange the pieces right on top of everything. This will melt into the dish and create amazing flavor!
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Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes.
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Remove the foil and let it bake for another 30 minutes until everything is hot and bubbly.
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Once it’s done, fluff it all up with a fork and get ready to serve this cozy dish!
HOW TO SERVE French Onion Beef Rice Casserole
To serve French Onion Beef Rice Casserole, simply dish out portions onto plates. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. If you want to elevate the experience a bit, consider adding a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or some grated cheese on top just before serving. This little touch can add a nice finish and extra burst of flavor.
STORAGE & FREEZING: French Onion Beef Rice Casserole
If you have leftovers of French Onion Beef Rice Casserole, you can store them in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure you place them in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop it in the oven or microwave until it’s warmed through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
When serving French Onion Beef Rice Casserole, consider these tasty side dishes:
- A crisp green salad with light vinaigrette
- Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, for some crunch
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce
- A refreshing fruit salad for a light finish to the meal
VARIATIONS
French Onion Beef Rice Casserole is quite versatile. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Add Cheese: Stir in some shredded cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to give it some heat.
- Herb Flavors: Mix in dried herbs, like thyme or oregano, for an additional layer of fragrance and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use Minute Rice instead of long-grain white rice?
No, it’s best to use uncooked long-grain white rice for this recipe since it needs the cooking time to absorb the flavors from the soups and broth.
2. Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking it.
3. Can I make this without beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with turkey, chicken, or a plant-based option for a different flavor profile.
4. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when it is hot and bubbly throughout. You can also check that the rice is tender by tasting a small spoonful.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR French Onion Beef Rice Casserole
To make your life easier, you can chop all your ingredients ahead of time. Brown the ground beef and assemble the casserole in advance. Then, cover it tightly and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, all you’ll need to do is pop it in the oven and let it bake. This way, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal waiting for you with minimal effort on the day you need it. Enjoy your French Onion Beef Rice Casserole!
French Onion Beef Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with a sprinkle of garlic salt until fully cooked. Break it up into even crumbles.
- In the prepared baking dish, mix the cooked beef and rice together.
- Pour in the beef consume, French onion soup, and water. Stir until well combined.
- Place sliced butter on top of the mixture.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Fluff the casserole with a fork before serving.