Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish combining savory ground beef, fluffy white rice, creamy condensed French onion soup, and a rich blend of sour cream and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole bakes to bubbly, cheesy perfection with hints of onion and garlic, then finishes with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
Pantry
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasiness.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the cooked ground beef. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings and enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked seasoned ground beef, cooked white rice, condensed French onion soup, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
- Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, covering the mixture completely.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving to add a fresh, herbal note and visual appeal.
Notes
- You can substitute the cooked white rice with brown rice for a healthier option.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions can enhance the French onion flavor.
- Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when seasoning the beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: French onion casserole, ground beef casserole, rice casserole, baked casserole, cheesy beef casserole
