Description
French Onion Meatballs and Rice is a flavorful, one-pan casserole combining tender Italian beef meatballs, mushrooms, fragrant thyme, and creamy French onion soup baked with long grain white rice. This easy and comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, offering a rich, cheesy topping of Gruyere Swiss cheese and a fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can low sodium beef broth
- 1 (10-ounce) can condensed French onion soup
- 1 cup dry long grain white rice
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup butter, thinly sliced into 6 pats
- 24 frozen Italian beef meatballs
- 4 ounces shredded Gruyere Swiss cheese
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and coat a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: Into the casserole dish, add the sliced fresh mushrooms, low sodium beef broth, condensed French onion soup, dry long grain white rice, and chopped fresh thyme. Stir everything gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Add Butter: Top the mixture with 6 pats of thinly sliced butter arranged in 3 rows of 2 pats each, which will add richness and help create a delicious baked crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the rice to begin cooking and flavors to meld.
- Add Meatballs: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and evenly place the 24 small frozen Italian beef meatballs on top of the rice mixture.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the meatballs are cooked through, and they have turned golden brown.
- Add Cheese and Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the shredded Gruyere Swiss cheese over the top, then loosely tent with foil and let it stand for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious French Onion Meatballs and Rice!
Notes
- You can substitute frozen Italian beef meatballs with homemade or store-bought ones of your choice.
- Using low sodium beef broth helps control the saltiness in the dish, but adjust seasoning as needed.
- For a vegetarian variation, replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.
- Make sure the casserole dish is tightly covered during baking to properly cook the rice through steam.
- Gruyere cheese adds a distinct nutty flavor; however, Swiss or mozzarella can be used as alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
