French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

If you have a craving for hearty comfort food that feels both indulgent and homey, then the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish beautifully marries the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion with savory ground beef and tender rice, all baked together under a luscious blanket of melted Swiss cheese and crispy French fried onions. It’s a layered delight that brings simple ingredients into one unforgettable meal, perfect for family dinners or cozy weekend meals when you want something that warms both the heart and belly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe comes from its straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create depth of flavor and satisfying textures. Each component plays a role, from the caramelized onions giving sweetness and complexity, to the tender but flavorful beef, and the rice that pulls everything together with comforting body.

• 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base and rich protein punch for the casserole.
• 1 cup long-grain white rice: Cooks alongside the beef and broth, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
• 2 cups beef broth: Adds moisture and umami, ensuring the rice cooks perfectly infused with taste.
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced: The star ingredient that caramelizes into a golden, sweet, and deep flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the onions to caramelized perfection without burning.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory profile with a subtle garlic warmth.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor throughout the casserole.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a fragrant, earthy herbal note that complements the beef and onions.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and heightening all flavors.
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Melts into a creamy, nutty topping that unites the layers beautifully.
• ½ cup French fried onions (for topping): The crispy crunch on top that finishes the dish with a delightful texture contrast.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and herbaceous brightness.

How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and let them sauté gently for about 10 to 12 minutes. This slow cooking transforms them into tender, golden caramelized jewels that are bursting with deep sweetness and flavor, setting the tone for the entire casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef directly to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy, while maintaining rich flavor.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well so the seasoning infuses the beef and onions, creating a savory blend that will warm every bite.

Step 4: Combine with Rice and Broth

Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a large bowl. Add the uncooked rice and beef broth, stirring gently to combine. The beef broth will cook the rice inside the casserole, absorbing all those meaty, fragrant flavors.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and pour in the mixture evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to seal in moisture. Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to cook perfectly while the flavors meld.

Step 6: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until that cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden—a truly irresistible sight and smell.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This step helps the dish set and makes serving easier. Just before serving, sprinkle the French fried onions over the top for incredible crunch and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness.

How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe further, fresh parsley adds a vibrant contrast against the rich and bubbly cheese crust. Don’t skip the crispy French fried onions—they bring a textural crunch that balances the softness of the casserole perfectly.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or simple steamed vegetables can brighten the plate and provide balance. Roasted carrots or a light vinaigrette-dressed arugula salad add freshness that complements the casserole’s hearty, savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this casserole in individual ramekins turns it into an elegant single-serve dish perfect for entertaining. Alternatively, layering it with slices of caramelized apples or mushrooms can add exciting depth and creativity, making the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe your culinary canvas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors become even more concentrated overnight, making for another tasty meal the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe by placing it in a freezer-safe dish or container. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat portions in the microwave until steaming hot, or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 20-25 minutes. Adding a little extra cheese on top before reheating can revive that melty, delicious finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Swiss cheese adds a nutty creaminess, but Gruyère, mozzarella, or mozzarella combined with cheddar are great alternatives if you want a different flavor or melt texture.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and French fried onions or opt for homemade crispy onions without breading.

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles can work well if you want to lighten the dish or accommodate dietary preferences.

What type of rice works best in this recipe?

Long-grain white rice cooks up fluffy and absorbs the broth perfectly, making it ideal. You can experiment with brown rice but adjust cooking times and liquid accordingly since it takes longer to cook.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes, caramelize the onions and cook the ground beef mixture ahead of time. You can even assemble the casserole and refrigerate it without cheese and toppings overnight, then bake fresh when ready.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe that makes it a go-to for warming family dinners or when you want to impress with minimal fuss. The layers of rich caramelized onions, savory beef, tender rice, gooey cheese, and crispy onion topping come together to create one of those dishes you’ll keep making again and again. So roll up your sleeves and dive into this delightful casserole—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight classic.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole that combines caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and tender rice baked with savory beef broth and topped with melted Swiss cheese and crispy French fried onions for an irresistible, family-friendly meal.

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Ingredients

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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

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings & Garnish

• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• ½ cup French fried onions (for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole later.
2. Caramelize onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them for 10-12 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized, which brings out their natural sweetness.
3. Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the caramelized onions and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. After cooking, drain any excess fat to maintain the right texture and flavor.
4. Season beef mixture: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the meat and onions.
5. Combine with rice and broth: In a large bowl, mix the seasoned beef and onion mixture with the uncooked long-grain white rice and beef broth, ensuring everything is well combined.
6. Prepare casserole dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Pour the beef, rice, and broth mixture into the dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil.
7. Bake covered: Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes to cook the rice and meld the flavors.
8. Add cheese and bake uncovered: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
9. Rest and garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Then, top with crispy French fried onions and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth or low-sodium store-bought broth.
• If preferred, white onion can be substituted with yellow or sweet onion for a different sweetness level.
• Make sure to cover the casserole tightly with foil to prevent the rice from drying out while baking.
• You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a variation in taste.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American