One and One Casserole: A Comforting Classic That’s as Easy as 1-2-3

There are some dishes that just feel like home, no matter where you are. For me, “One and One Casserole” is one of those culinary anchors. I first encountered this marvel of simplicity years ago, during a particularly hectic week when cooking seemed like an insurmountable task. A dear friend, a culinary magician in her own right, whipped this up with what felt like a flick of her wrist and a sprinkle of everyday magic. The sheer ease, coupled with the surprisingly satisfying flavor, left an indelible mark. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious, soul-warming food doesn’t always require hours of labor or a pantry full of obscure ingredients. This is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again, a reliable friend on your dinner table.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 1 casserole
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

To create this wonderfully unfussy casserole, you’ll need just a handful of common pantry staples:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup raw white rice
• 1 (2 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sliced green onion (optional, for garnish or layering)

Equipment Needed

While this recipe is remarkably straightforward, a few basic kitchen tools will make the process even smoother:

• A 2.5-quart casserole dish (or a similar-sized oven-safe baking dish)
• A measuring cup
• A can opener
• A spoon or spatula for mixing and spreading
• Aluminum foil for covering

Instructions

This casserole truly lives up to its name in terms of simplicity. The beauty lies in its ability to cook all the ingredients together, uncooked, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the oven.

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your casserole starts cooking evenly the moment it enters the oven.
2. Take your 2.5-quart casserole dish and crumble the raw ground beef evenly across the bottom. There’s no need to pre-cook the beef; it will cook through during the baking process.
3. Next, sprinkle the raw white rice over the layer of ground beef. Ensure it’s distributed as evenly as possible.
4. Following the rice, sprinkle the entire contents of the dry onion soup mix over the rice and beef. This little packet is a flavor powerhouse, delivering a rich, savory depth.
5. In a separate bowl or directly into the can, blend the cream of mushroom soup and the water together until they are well combined and smooth. This creates the liquid base that will cook the rice and tenderize the beef.
6. Pour this cream of mushroom soup mixture evenly over the layers in the casserole dish. Try to cover all the ingredients.
7. If you are using sliced green onions, you have the option to sprinkle them over the top of the casserole at this stage. Alternatively, you can save them to use as a fresh, bright garnish when serving.
8. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial for trapping steam and ensuring everything cooks through properly without drying out.
9. Place the covered casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
10. Note on stirring: You are welcome to stir the casserole after about 30 minutes of baking if you desire. This can help ensure even cooking and prevent any sticking, though it is not strictly necessary for the success of the dish. The ingredients will meld beautifully even if left undisturbed.
11. Once the baking time is complete, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to portion.

Expert Tips & Tricks

While this recipe is wonderfully forgiving, a few pro tips can elevate it even further:

• Quality of Beef: Opting for a slightly leaner ground beef is generally recommended to prevent excess grease from pooling at the bottom of the casserole. However, a little fat adds flavor, so don’t go too lean if you prefer a richer result.
• Rice Distribution: While not strictly necessary, ensuring the rice is spread relatively evenly helps it cook uniformly. If you notice thick clumps of rice in one area, a gentle nudge with your spoon can make a difference.
• Soup Consistency: If your cream of mushroom soup seems particularly thick, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of water to the soup-and-water mixture to ensure a slightly looser consistency, which aids in cooking the rice.
• Broiling for Color (Optional): For a slightly browned and more appealing top, after the hour of baking, you can remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching very carefully to prevent burning. This adds a lovely texture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This “One and One Casserole” is wonderfully versatile, shining as a standalone main dish or as a comforting side.

• Serving: Serve hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with the reserved sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to round out the meal.
• Storage: Leftovers can be covered tightly and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can gently warm individual portions in the microwave or place a larger amount back into a covered oven-safe dish in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. You may need to add a tablespoon of water or broth if the casserole seems a bit dry after refrigeration. Freezing is also an option; ensure it’s cooled completely, wrapped securely, and can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on 6 servings. Please note that these values can vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	477 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	16.1 g	24%
Saturated Fat	5.7 g	28%
Cholesterol	73.7 mg	24%
Sodium	1753.1 mg	73%
Total Carbohydrate	52.1 g	17%
Dietary Fiber	2.2 g	8%
Sugars	1.8 g	7%
Protein	28.1 g	56%

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic “One and One Casserole” is a winner as is, don’t hesitate to explore some delightful variations:

• Poultry Power: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Delight: For a meatless version, consider using a plant-based ground “beef” alternative or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and lentils.
• Cream of Anything: Feel free to experiment with other condensed cream soups. Cream of celery, cream of chicken, or even cream of broccoli can offer slightly different flavor profiles.
• Herbacious Additions: Beyond green onions, consider adding a sprinkle of dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley along with the soup mix for an extra layer of herbaceousness.
• Cheese Please: A cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese sprinkled over the top during the last 15-20 minutes of baking (after removing the foil) adds a gooey, cheesy dimension.

FAQs

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: While white rice is recommended for its quick cooking time, you can try brown rice. However, you will likely need to increase the liquid content and extend the baking time significantly to ensure the brown rice cooks through.

Q: My casserole seems a bit dry. What did I do wrong?
A: This can happen if your oven runs hot, or if the casserole was overbaked. Ensuring the dish is covered tightly with foil during the initial baking is key to retaining moisture. If it’s dry, try adding a splash of extra water or broth when reheating.

Q: Is it okay to use a different sized casserole dish?
A: Yes, but be mindful of the depth. If you use a wider, shallower dish, it may cook faster. A deeper, narrower dish might require a slightly longer cooking time. The 2.5-quart size is ideal for even cooking with these ingredients.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the casserole completely, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chill.

Q: What is the “one and one” referring to in the name?
A: The name typically refers to the “one” pound of ground beef and the “one” cup of rice, the foundational components of this simple, satisfying dish.

Final Thoughts

The “One and One Casserole” is a true testament to the power of simplicity in the kitchen. It’s a recipe that welcomes busy weeknights, novice cooks, and seasoned veterans alike. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, sparking conversations and creating warm memories. So, the next time you’re craving comfort, or simply need a meal that’s wonderfully effortless and undeniably delicious, reach for this recipe. Pair it with a crisp, refreshing salad and a glass of your favorite beverage, and savor the uncomplicated joy of a truly satisfying meal. I encourage you to try it, and I’d love to hear about your experience!