French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining savory ground beef with flavorful French onion soup mix and cheesy goodness, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

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) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth until well mixed.
4. Step 4: Stir in the cooked ground beef and sour cream until fully combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Step 5: Top with shredded cheese and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Add French-fried onions on top and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute beef broth with homemade broth or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
• Try mixing in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers with the ground beef for added texture and nutrition.
• Use Swiss cheese for a more traditional French flavor, or mozzarella for a milder, creamier option.
• To make it lighter, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps maintain crispiness of the onions.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. If substituting, pre-cook the brown rice or adjust the broth amount and bake time accordingly to ensure it cooks fully.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the French-fried onions and final baking step right before serving for the best texture.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

This hearty French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines savory ground beef, flavorful French onion soup mix, creamy sour cream, and melty cheese baked to perfection. Topped with crispy French-fried onions, it’s a comforting one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Windy
• 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

Meat and Dairy

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• 1 tbsp butter

Grains and Staples

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups beef broth

Flavoring and Toppings

• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• ½ cup French-fried onions
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole does not stick during baking.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and season the beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
3. Combine Rice and Soup Mix: In a large mixing bowl, mix the uncooked long-grain white rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth, stirring until the ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Mix in Beef and Sour Cream: Add the cooked and seasoned ground beef along with the sour cream to the rice mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined, forming the base for your casserole.
5. Assemble Casserole: Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to allow for uniform cooking.
6. Add Cheese and Bake Covered: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese evenly over the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
7. Finish Baking Uncovered and Add Topping: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Then, sprinkle the French-fried onions on top and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes to achieve a golden and crispy topping.
8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.

Notes

• You can substitute mozzarella with Swiss cheese or a blend of both for a richer flavor.
• If you prefer, use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content.
• This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking straight from cold.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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