Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and tender rice baked together and topped with melted Swiss cheese and crispy French fried onions. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines rich flavors and textures in a simple one-dish meal.
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
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup French fried onions (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
- Cook the Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become caramelized and golden brown, which develops a deep, sweet flavor essential to the dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Break it apart using a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasiness.
- Season the Beef and Onion Mixture: Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and set the skillet aside.
- Combine Rice and Broth: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion mixture with uncooked rice and beef broth. Mix thoroughly so that the rice is coated with the flavorful juices and seasoning.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture while baking.
- Bake: Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and absorb the flavors.
- Add Swiss Cheese: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set before serving. Top with French fried onions for a crispy texture and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice but increase the baking time to about 50-60 minutes, checking for doneness.
- For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium beef broth and reduce added salt.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the ground beef to keep the casserole from being too greasy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
