Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines tender caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and fluffy rice baked to perfection with melted Swiss cheese and a crispy French fried onion topping. It’s a comforting, hearty one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
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
- 1/2 cup French fried onions (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Caramelize 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 turn golden brown and caramelized, developing a rich sweetness.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break it apart using a spatula and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Season Mixture: Season the beef and onion mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion mixture with uncooked rice and beef broth. Mix well to ensure the rice is coated with the flavorful broth.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam while baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and cook through.
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and evenly sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Garnish: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set. Just before serving, top with French fried onions for a crispy texture and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly sliced onions and avoid pre-cut bags to enhance caramelization.
- If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, add a little extra onion powder or fresh thyme during seasoning.
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for different cheesy flavors.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the French fried onions are gluten-free or omit the topping.
