French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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