Delectable 5 Ingredient French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole You’ll Crave Recipe
If you have a soft spot for comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, then you are absolutely going to adore this Delectable 5 Ingredient French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole You’ll Crave. Picture tender ground beef mingling with perfectly caramelized onions, all nestled into fluffy, tender rice and smothered with creamy mushroom soup and melty sharp cheddar. This casserole is honestly one of those magical meals that feels fancy yet is so simple to make. Every forkful delivers layers of flavor and texture that keep you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this und Beef and Rice Casserole You’ll Crave, it’s going to find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient, which work together to create that irresistible depth of flavor and satisfying texture. No fancy tricks, just straightforward ingredients that pack a delicious punch.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean/fat): The perfect balance of fat keeps your beef juicy, and leaving a bit of fat after draining preserves rich flavor.
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 3 cups): These slowly caramelize to sweet, golden perfection, a must-have for that classic French onion vibe.
- 1 cup white long-grain rice (uncooked): Use real rice here, not instant, so it cooks up fluffy and absorbs all the casserole’s flavors beautifully.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup: This gives the casserole creamy body and a lovely umami boost that ties everything together.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the rice moist and tender as it bakes.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts into a bubbly, golden topping that no one can resist.
- 2 tbsp butter: Essential for turning those onions into caramelized gems that elevate every bite.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked if possible, for a subtle kick and complexity.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: A secret weapon to bump up that savory goodness, making the casserole even more addictive.
How to Make Delectable 5 Ingredient French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole You’ll Crave
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your ground beef. Break it up gently with a wooden spoon so you get nice, even crumbles that cook through perfectly. Cook until the beef loses its pink color, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, drain off all but about a tablespoon of the fat to keep that luscious, rich flavor without being greasy. This simple first step lays the foundation for the incredible flavor you’ll taste in every bite.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Use the same skillet and turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the butter and immediately toss in those thinly sliced yellow onions. Stir occasionally and let them cook low and slow for around 10 to 15 minutes until they reach a stunning golden-brown color and fill your kitchen with sweet, savory aroma. This indulgent caramelization is what transforms ordinary onions into the heart and soul of this Delectable 5 Ingredient French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole You’ll Crave.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Bake
Next, stir in your uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder right into the skillet with your caramelized onions and ground beef. Mix everything thoroughly—the mixture will look a bit soupy, but don’t worry, the rice will soak up all these flavors during baking. Pour it into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with foil to trap the steam. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Peek in to see if that rice is tender and most liquid has been absorbed—almost there!
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and scatter your shredded sharp cheddar evenly over the casserole’s surface. Return it uncovered to the oven for another 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a glorious bubbly blanket. If you want to turn up the wow factor, broil it for the final 1–2 minutes for those irresistible golden spots, but keep a close eye! Finally, pull it out and let it rest for five minutes. That brief wait is key—it sets the casserole so when you scoop it out, it holds together without sliding apart.
How to Serve Delectable 5 Ingredient French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole You’ll Crave
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of fresh green color and a mild oniony brightness that complements the dish beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of sour cream or a few dashes of hot sauce can add nice layers of creaminess or heat, depending on what mood you’re in.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal veggies brings balance and adds freshness to your meal. Light steamed broccoli or roasted carrots are great options that provide color, crunch, and nutrition alongside the rich casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Delectable 5 Ingredient French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole You’ll Crave in individual ramekins for a charming presentation perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in. Alternatively, top it with thinly sliced caramelized onions and extra cheese before baking for an elevated appearance. A sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs across the cheese just before broiling adds an irresistible crunchy topping that will wow anyone lucky enough to sit at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole tends to thicken as it cools, so adding a splash of beef broth or water before reheating helps restore its creamy texture nicely.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to ensure even reheating and texture. It’s a great option for meal prepping or busy weeknight dinners.
Reheating
Reheat your Delectable 5 Ingredient French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole You’ll Crave in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you’re short on time, the stovetop works too: warm it gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, with a splash of broth to keep it moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While sharp cheddar is classic here, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a smoky gouda for a unique twist. Just choose a cheese that melts well for the best results.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free—many brands offer gluten-free versions nowadays. Also, double-check any seasoning blends or broth you use to keep things safe.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken are leaner options and will work nicely. You might want to add a touch more butter or oil when caramelizing onions to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
What’s the best rice to use if I don’t have long-grain white rice?
Long-grain white rice is ideal because it holds up well during baking and absorbs flavors without getting mushy. If you only have short-grain or brown rice, the texture and cooking time will differ, so adjustments would be needed.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and bake later?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Delectable 5 Ingredient French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole You’ll Crave truly brings that soul-satisfying feeling every time you take a bite. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug, made with simple ingredients that come together to create something really special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something HOME, it’s an absolute winner. Make it soon—you’ll be wondering how you ever lived without it!
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Delectable 5 Ingredient French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole You’ll Crave Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A savory and comforting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole featuring tender caramelized onions, juicy ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melty sharp cheddar cheese baked to perfection. This easy 5-ingredient recipe delivers rich, hearty flavors with minimal fuss, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that your whole family will crave.
Ingredients
Meat & Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean/fat)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
Vegetables & Grains
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup white long-grain rice (uncooked)
Pantry Staples
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your casserole is prepped.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain all but about 1 tablespoon of fat and return to heat for flavor.
- Caramelize the Onions: Lower the heat to medium-low, add butter and sliced onions to the same skillet. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until onions turn golden brown and emit a sweet aroma.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until soupy but uniform.
- Bake Covered: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 25 minutes to allow rice to absorb liquid and cook.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove foil, sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar evenly over the casserole. Return to oven, uncovered, for 10 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles. Optional: broil for 1-2 minutes to brown cheese, watching carefully.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set before slicing and serving for clean, delicious pieces.
Notes
- Use block cheese for better melting; pre-shredded works in a pinch but can be less creamy.
- Do not use instant rice; long-grain white rice holds texture better in baking.
- Cooking onions low and slow is critical for authentic French onion flavor.
- Keeping a tablespoon of beef fat after browning maintains richness without greasiness.
- Let casserole rest after baking to avoid a runny texture when serving.
- Broiling cheese is optional but adds an attractive browned finish—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: French onion casserole, ground beef casserole, rice casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, caramelized onions, cheesy casserole
