Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, savory dish combining caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and tender rice baked together under melted Swiss cheese, then topped with crispy French fried onions and fresh parsley for a delightful crunch and fresh finish.
Ingredients
Main 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 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 are caramelized and golden brown, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the mixture.
- Season Mixture: Season the beef and onions with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the beef and onion mixture with the uncooked rice and beef broth, combining all ingredients well.
- Prepare for Baking: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or butter. Pour the beef, rice, and broth mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake Covered: Bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, allowing the rice to cook and absorb the flavors.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, and return it to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Then, top with crunchy French fried onions and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving to add texture and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for beef broth if desired, but it will slightly change the flavor.
- For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of Swiss and Gruyère cheese.
- If you prefer a milder onion flavor, reduce the sauté time for the onions.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- French fried onions add a nice crunchy topping; they can be found in most grocery stores near the salad toppings or snack sections.