Hamburger Rice Casserole with Onions Chives

Serves 8 in about 1 hour. Ground beef goes in first, and butter finishes the pot.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or turkey, chicken)
• 2 cups chopped mushrooms, (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
• 2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 10.5-ounce cans french onion soup
• 4 cups beef broth (or beef consommé)
• 1 stick unsalted butter, sliced (½ cup)
• Chopped green onions or chives

Method

1. Heat oven to 425°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and keep it nearby.
2. Warm a large skillet over a medium flame, then add olive oil and the chopped onion. Sauté the onion about 4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the ground beef. Simmer until browned (about 8 minutes). Drain any grease.
4. Tip in the chopped mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the garlic, bell pepper, salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning. Mix well.
6. Tip in the ground beef mixture to the prepared baking dish.Spread the uncooked rice evenly over the meat mixture.
7. Tip in the French onion soup evenly over the rice.
8. Tip in the beef broth over the top. Stir in the butter pats on top.
9. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
10. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking, uncovered, for 20 more minutes, or until the rice is cooked and is tender.
11. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish as desired, and serve.

More beef ideas are in the beef collection.