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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Ethan
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This hearty French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines savory caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and tender rice all baked in a rich blend of French onion and cream of mushroom soups. Topped with melted Swiss cheese and crispy fried onions, this comforting casserole is perfect for an easy family dinner that packs loads of flavor and satisfying textures.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred for best flavor)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 can French onion soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

For Caramelizing Onions

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
  4. Prepare Soup Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Add Rice and Sour Cream: Stir the uncooked rice and sour cream into the soup mixture until evenly incorporated.
  6. Assemble Casserole Layers: Spread half of the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Pour half of the soup and rice mixture over the beef layer. Repeat with the remaining beef mixture and soup mixture in another layer.
  7. Add Cheese and Bake Covered: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
  8. Add Crispy Onions and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for an added pop of color and freshness.

Notes

  • You can substitute mozzarella cheese if Swiss cheese is not available.
  • Use low sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • For a healthier version, use lean ground beef and reduce or omit the crispy fried onions topping.
  • Make sure to not rinse the rice; the starch will help thicken the casserole.
  • This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase bake time slightly if baking from cold.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: French onion casserole, ground beef casserole, baked rice casserole, comfort food, Swiss cheese casserole