Description

This comforting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and tender rice baked in a rich mixture of French onion and cream of mushroom soups. Topped with Swiss cheese and crispy fried onions, it’s a hearty, flavorful one-dish meal perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred for best flavor)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or mozzarella)
2 tbsp butter (for caramelizing onions)

Pantry and Canned Goods

1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 can French onion soup (10.5 oz)
1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
1 cup beef broth (low sodium recommended)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Produce

1 medium onion (thinly sliced)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Caramelize Onions: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness and flavor.
Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the meat is fully browned, then drain any excess grease to reduce fat content.
Mix Soups and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful sauce base.
Add Rice and Sour Cream: Stir the uncooked long-grain white rice and sour cream into the soup mixture until thoroughly blended, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
Assemble Layers: Spread half of the cooked beef and caramelized onion mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Pour half of the soup and rice mixture over the beef layer. Repeat with the remaining beef mixture and soup mixture to build two layers.
Add Cheese and Bake Covered: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top layer. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes to cook the rice and meld the flavors.
Top and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, scatter the crispy fried onions on top of the casserole, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving to set. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

Notes

Using an 80/20 ground beef blend adds flavor and juiciness to the casserole.
If you prefer, substitute Swiss cheese with mozzarella or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
For a lower sodium version, choose low-sodium canned soups and broth and adjust salt accordingly.
Uncooked rice is used in the casserole, so ensure the baking time and liquid amounts are accurate for proper rice cooking.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
To add a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or chives right before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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