Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds! This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is the ultimate fusion of hearty ground beef, caramelized onions, and creamy cheese that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine a one-dish wonder that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with the satisfying texture of perfectly cooked rice and melted cheese - it's comfort food elevated to an art form!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups French onion soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss or Gruyere)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with salt and pepper while cooking. Drain any excess fat from the meat.
- In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onions until they become soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the ground beef and onions. Stir to combine and toast the rice lightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and French onion soup. Stir to combine all ingredients and ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the rice cook evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Return to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, take your time caramelizing the onions. Slow cooking allows them to develop a deep, sweet flavor that's crucial to this dish.
- Use high-quality beef broth and French onion soup for the most robust taste. Homemade or premium store-bought brands make a significant difference.
- Don't skip draining the fat from the ground beef - this keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
- For extra crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the casserole rest after cooking to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and make serving easier.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your broth and soup are gluten-free and use a gluten-free rice variety.
- Experiment with cheese varieties - while Swiss and Gruyere are traditional, sharp cheddar can also work wonderfully in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
