French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to allow for uniform cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
