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
Scale
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.
