Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole has everything you crave in a comforting dish: rich, savory flavors, tender ground beef, aromatic caramelized onions, and cheesy goodness, all baked to perfection. It’s also an easy one-pan meal that comes together quickly for a busy weeknight or a family gathering. Topped with crispy French fried onions and fresh parsley, it offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 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)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - 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 caramelized and golden brown. - Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. - Season the Beef and Onion Mixture:
Season the beef and onion mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and set 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 to ensure the rice is well-coated with the flavors. - Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture to the greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover with aluminum foil. - Bake:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. - Add Swiss Cheese:
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and Serve:
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set. Top with French fried onions and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the beef mixture.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Substitute Cheese: If you don’t have Swiss cheese, feel free to substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese entirely for a lighter version of the dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner version of this casserole.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Can I make this casserole without cheese?
Yes, for a dairy-free version, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What if I don’t have French fried onions?
You can substitute with crispy breadcrumbs or even toasted nuts for some crunch.
Conclusion
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect comforting meal that brings together savory beef, aromatic onions, and melty cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a make-ahead dish for later, this casserole offers great flavor and texture that everyone will love.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining caramelized onions, ground beef, rice, Swiss cheese, and crispy French fried onions. It’s an easy-to-make, flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 10-12 minutes until caramelized and golden brown.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the beef and onion mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef and onion mixture with uncooked rice and beef broth. Stir well to coat the rice with the flavors.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread evenly. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the top, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes, then top with French fried onions and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Feel free to substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère if you prefer a different cheese flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
