French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory ground beef with the rich flavors of French onion soup mix, tender rice, and melted cheese. Topped with crispy French-fried onions, it’s a perfect one-dish meal for family 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
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
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- ½ cup French-fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Mix Rice and Soup Base: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth. Stir well to evenly distribute the soup mix.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked, seasoned ground beef and sour cream into the rice mixture until all components are thoroughly mixed, creating a creamy and flavorful base.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Topping and Final Bake: Sprinkle the French-fried onions evenly over the cheesy surface, then bake for another 5 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- To ensure the rice cooks evenly, do not pre-cook it; the baking process will cook it fully.
- You can substitute mozzarella with Swiss cheese or a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease.
- If desired, add mushrooms or other vegetables to the sautéed beef for extra nutrition and taste.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
Keywords: French Onion Soup, Ground Beef Casserole, Rice Casserole, One Dish Meal, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner
