French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
A comforting casserole featuring the flavors of caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and creamy Swiss cheese combined with fluffy rice, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef juicy and savory
- 1 cup long-grain white rice fluffy and tender
- 2 cups beef broth rich and aromatic
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced sweet and caramelizing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil fruity and smooth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder warm and fragrant
- 1 teaspoon onion powder intense, onion-y flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme earthy and herbal
- Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese creamy and melty
- 1/2 cup French fried onions crispy topping
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish and freshness
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- In the same skillet, brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beef broth and uncooked rice to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 10 minutes.
Baking
- Transfer the beef and rice mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread the caramelized onions over the mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese on top and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle French fried onions on top, and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
To achieve the best results, sauté the onions slowly to maximize sweetness. Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For extra nutrition, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach. For a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes.