French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines savory flavors with simple ingredients. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that brings the classic taste of French onion soup into a hearty casserole everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• ½ cup French-fried onions
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease, then season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth. Stir until well mixed.
4. Step 4: Stir in the cooked ground beef and sour cream until fully combined. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the French-fried onions evenly on top and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

• For added richness, stir in a handful of sautéed mushrooms when combining the beef and rice mixture.
• Try using Swiss cheese for a nuttier flavor or mozzarella for a classic melty texture.
• Use low-sodium beef broth if you want to control the salt level more precisely.
• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative without sacrificing creaminess.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. The crispy onion topping may soften upon reheating but will still add great flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice instead of uncooked long-grain rice?

Instant rice is not recommended because it cooks much faster and may become mushy during the long baking time. Use uncooked long-grain white rice for best texture and results.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to cook, bake as instructed but add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 118 reviews

A comforting and hearty French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole featuring tender ground beef, flavorful French onion soup mix, creamy sour cream, and melted cheese topped with crispy French-fried onions. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• ½ cup French-fried onions
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, stirring to combine well.
3. Mix Rice and Broth: In a large mixing bowl, combine uncooked long-grain white rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth. Stir the mixture until the ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Combine Beef and Sour Cream: Add the cooked ground beef and sour cream to the rice mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated and creamy.
5. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
6. Add Cheese and Cover: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
7. Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and flavors to meld.
8. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and starts to brown.
9. Add Fried Onions and Final Bake: Evenly sprinkle the French-fried onions over the cheese layer. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to portion.

Notes

• You can substitute mozzarella with Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Use instant rice for a quicker cooking option but adjust baking time accordingly.
• For a richer flavor, sauté diced onions with the ground beef before combining.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.

Keywords: French onion casserole, ground beef rice casserole, baked beef casserole, comfort food dinner, easy casserole recipe