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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

4.9 from 17 reviews

A comforting and flavorful casserole combining savory ground beef, aromatic French onion soup mix, and tender rice, topped with melted cheese and crispy French-fried onions for a delightful crunch. This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.

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 Pantry

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 packet French onion soup mix
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Toppings

  • ½ cup French-fried onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  2. Cook ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned. Drain any excess grease, then season the meat with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
  3. Mix rice and soup base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked long-grain white rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth. Stir well until the soup mix is fully incorporated into the liquid.
  4. Combine beef and sour cream: Add the cooked ground beef and sour cream to the rice mixture. Stir thoroughly until the sour cream is evenly distributed and the mixture is fully combined.
  5. Transfer to baking dish and add cheese: Pour the beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese, spreading it to cover the surface.
  6. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This allows the rice to cook fully and flavors to meld together.
  7. Bake uncovered and add onions: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Sprinkle the French-fried onions evenly over the casserole, then bake for another 5 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
  8. Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium beef broth if you want to control the salt level.
  • Swiss cheese gives a nuttier flavor while mozzarella provides a milder taste and melts beautifully—choose based on preference.
  • For a creamier texture, you can add a little extra sour cream or a splash of cream to the mixture.
  • If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Make sure to cover the dish while baking initially to help the rice cook evenly and prevent drying out.

Nutrition

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