Description
This hearty French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and tender long-grain rice baked together with melted Swiss cheese and topped with crispy French fried onions. A comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup French fried onions (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Caramelize 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 are caramelized and golden brown, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and cook for about 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish balanced.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly so the beef and onions are evenly seasoned.
- Combine with Rice and Broth: Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a large bowl. Add uncooked long-grain white rice and pour in the beef broth, mixing gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or butter. Pour the beef, onion, and rice mixture into the dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes to allow the rice to cook and absorb flavors.
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Top with crispy French fried onions and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for added texture and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Use low-sodium beef broth if you want to control the salt content.
- If you prefer softer onions, sauté them longer until deeply caramelized.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the French fried onions are gluten-free or omit the topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
