This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and savory dish that combines ground beef, caramelized onions, fluffy rice, and rich beef broth, all topped with melted Swiss cheese and crispy French fried onions. It’s the perfect one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying enough for a family dinner or a casual weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this casserole because it’s packed with flavor, comfort, and simplicity. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and aromatic herbs gives each bite a hearty and satisfying taste. The addition of Swiss cheese creates a rich and melty topping that pairs beautifully with the crunchy French fried onions. Plus, the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors from the beef broth, making it the perfect base for this filling dish. It’s an easy, all-in-one meal that’s bound to please everyone at the table!
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
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ cup French fried onions (for topping)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become caramelized and golden brown.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and 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, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the seasoned beef and onion mixture with uncooked rice and beef broth. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the mixture into it. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Top with French fried onions and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Variations
Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Rice Substitute: Try using brown rice or a cauliflower rice blend for a healthier alternative.
Cheese Options: While Swiss cheese works wonderfully, feel free to use cheddar, mozzarella, or even a combination for different flavors.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until hot. For longer storage, this casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic and aluminum foil before freezing.
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FAQs
How can I make this casserole spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss cheese for an extra kick.
Can I use instant rice for this recipe?
I recommend using long-grain white rice as it absorbs the flavors of the beef broth and cooks evenly. Instant rice might not give the same texture and flavor, so it’s better to stick with regular rice for the best result.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply cover with foil and bake as directed. It might take a bit longer to heat through if stored cold.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Swiss cheese is mild and melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella would all be great substitutes depending on your preferences.
How can I add more flavor to the rice?
You can sauté the rice in a little butter before adding the broth to infuse it with more flavor. Alternatively, adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can give the rice a richer taste.
Conclusion
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the perfect cozy meal that combines savory flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy a crowd. Whether you serve it for dinner or as a comforting weeknight meal, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite!
📖 Recipe:
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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting one-pan meal that combines caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and savory beef broth, all topped with melted Swiss cheese and crispy French fried onions. A perfect family dinner or weeknight meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
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
½ cup French fried onions (for topping)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté for 10-12 minutes until caramelized and golden brown.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- In a large bowl, mix the beef and onion mixture with uncooked rice and beef broth.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, pour the mixture into it, and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before topping with French fried onions and garnishing with fresh parsley.
Notes
Cheese Options: Use cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère cheese for different flavors.
Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations: Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option, or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
