There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a casserole baking in the oven. If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect solution. Combining the rich flavors of caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and creamy Swiss cheese, this dish brings a warm, homemade touch to your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you want a simple yet satisfying dinner. With its creamy texture, crispy topping, and balanced flavors, this recipe is destined to become a household favorite.
Ingredients for French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting dish:
For the Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup French fried onions
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Caramelize the Onions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and caramelized.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Ground Beef
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Combine the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, caramelized onions, uncooked rice, and beef broth.
- Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and ensure the rice cooks evenly.
6. Bake
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Add the Final Touches
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven.
- Sprinkle the French fried onions on top for a crispy finish.
- Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Slice into portions and serve warm. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh onions, high-quality beef broth, and good cheese make all the difference in flavor.
2. Don’t Skip the Caramelization
Taking the time to caramelize the onions deepens the flavor of the dish, adding a sweet and savory balance.
3. Cover the Dish
Covering the casserole while baking ensures the rice absorbs all the broth and cooks evenly.
4. Adjust to Your Preferences
Want more texture? Add chopped mushrooms or diced celery to the beef mixture. Prefer a stronger cheese? Swap Swiss for Gruyere.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (serves 6):
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 410 |
Protein | 22g |
Fat | 19g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 720mg |
Creative Variations
1. Add Vegetables
Incorporate peas, carrots, or green beans for extra color and nutrition.
2. Use Different Cheese
Try cheddar, Gruyere, or a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor.
3. Make It Spicy
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a subtle kick.
4. Use Brown Rice
Swap the white rice for brown rice for added fiber and a nutty flavor. Increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
5. Vegetarian Option
Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant rice?
Yes, you can use instant rice, but reduce the baking time to avoid overcooking. Check the package instructions for guidance.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
3. What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella are excellent substitutes that melt well and taste great.
4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works perfectly in this recipe.
5. Why is my rice undercooked?
Make sure the dish is tightly covered during the first bake to trap steam, and double-check your measurements for liquid and rice.
6. What can I serve with this casserole?
Pair it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining simple ingredients with bold flavors. Its creamy texture, savory beef, and crispy topping make it a dish your whole family will love. Plus, it’s easy to customize and perfect for leftovers!
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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Warm up your dinner table with this comforting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Packed with savory ground beef, caramelized onions, creamy Swiss cheese, and a crispy French fried onion topping, this casserole brings a satisfying, hearty meal to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s a dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup French fried onions
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Caramelize the Onions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef
- In the same skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat and season with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Combine the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked ground beef, caramelized onions, uncooked rice, and beef broth. Stir until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake
- Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle Swiss cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add the Final Touches
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Top with French fried onions and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Slice into portions and serve warm. Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh onions and high-quality beef broth for the best flavor.
- Don’t Skip Caramelizing the Onions: This step enhances the sweetness and savory flavor of the dish.
- Cover the Dish: Covering the casserole while baking helps the rice absorb all the liquid and cook properly.
- Adjust to Your Preferences: Add vegetables like mushrooms or swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère for a more robust flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American