If you’ve been searching for a cozy, hearty meal that perfectly blends the rich flavors of caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and tender rice, you’re going to love this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out, layering deep, comforting onion goodness with cheesy, meaty satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this casserole delivers on flavor and simplicity, turning everyday ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As delicious as this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is, it shines because of its straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the depth and texture that make this dish a standout family favorite.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that brings protein and satisfying flavor.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Cooks up fluffy, providing substance and soaking up all the delicious juices.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds richness and depth to the rice as it simmers.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: The star of the show, caramelized to sweet perfection for that iconic French onion flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps caramelize the onions and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A gentle boost of aromatic flavor to complement the onion.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Intensifies the savory onion taste throughout the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a hint of earthiness and a classic French herb touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every other flavor.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully on top for creamy, nutty goodness.
- ½ cup French fried onions (for topping): Adds irresistible crunch and extra onion flavor at the end.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A burst of fresh color and freshness to brighten the dish.
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and spend 10 to 12 minutes slowly caramelizing them until they turn golden brown and sweet. This is where the magic happens, as those rich, deep flavors develop and set the tone for your entire casserole.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet with your caramelized onions. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy, while retaining the beef’s juicy richness that will complement the rice perfectly.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, along with salt and pepper. Stir everything together so each bite is beautifully seasoned. This combination enhances the dish with deeply layered savory notes that mimic that classic French onion soup flavor we all adore.
Step 4: Combine Rice and Broth
Transfer the beef and onion mixture into a large bowl. Add uncooked rice and pour in beef broth. Give it a good stir to combine so the rice can soak up the broth as it bakes, ensuring every grain is surrounded by that hearty, flavorful base.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour your mixture inside. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for cooking the rice perfectly while melding all the flavors together.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, pull the casserole out, remove the foil, and sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese evenly across the top. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and inviting.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes once it’s out of the oven. Just before serving, sprinkle French fried onions on top for that essential crispy texture, and add chopped fresh parsley to brighten the flavors and add a gorgeous pop of color.
How to Serve French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the crispy French fried onions and fresh parsley, you could add a dollop of sour cream or a few thinly sliced scallions for extra creaminess and mild onion flavor. These little touches make every serving feel extra special and homemade.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal veggies like green beans or broccoli balances the richness perfectly. A crusty slice of bread or garlic toast is also fantastic for soaking up any delicious leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins and top each with the French fried onions. Serving it family-style in a beautiful casserole dish right from the oven adds a warm, comforting vibe. You can also sprinkle a little extra Swiss cheese and broil for a couple of minutes for an irresistibly golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so you’ll find the leftovers just as comforting and delicious.
Freezing
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire casserole dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for busy days when you want a quick, homemade meal.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add the crispy fried onions just before serving to keep their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the baking time and add a bit more broth to ensure it cooks fully.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
You can swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The caramelized onions and seasonings will keep it flavorful.
What if I don’t have Swiss cheese? What’s a good substitute?
Gruyère is a perfect substitute if you want to stick with a classic French onion profile. Mozzarella or a mild cheddar can also work if you prefer a less nutty flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance before baking?
Yes! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if your casserole is cold going into the oven.
How crispy do the French fried onions stay on top after baking?
They stay delightfully crispy when added after baking as a topping. If baked on longer, they can get soggy, so it’s best to sprinkle them just before serving for that perfect crunch.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe is truly a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation. It’s simple to make yet packed with complex, savory flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to casseroles for cozy nights in or easy family meals.
Print
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combining caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy rice baked together, topped with melted Swiss cheese and crispy French fried onions for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Rice Mixture
- 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
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup French fried onions (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown and caramelized, developing a rich sweetness.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole leaner.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the beef and onions evenly to enhance the flavor profile.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the seasoned beef and onion mixture with the uncooked long-grain white rice and beef broth, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined.
- Prepare for Baking: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, pour in the beef and rice mixture, and cover tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and absorb flavors.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set. Then, top with French fried onions for crunch and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable or chicken broth if preferred.
- For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
- Adding mushrooms or green beans can increase vegetable content and flavor.
- If you want less sodium, use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt accordingly.
- Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a more intense herbal note.
