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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 14 reviews

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef, caramelized onions, creamy mushroom soup, and melty Swiss and Gruyere cheeses. Topped with crispy French fried onions, this easy-to-make casserole is baked to perfection for a hearty family meal perfect for weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked white rice (about 2 cups uncooked)
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, but recommended)
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup French fried onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
  3. Sauté Onions and Aromatics: Add the thinly sliced yellow onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook the mixture for 10-15 minutes until the onions are softened and have turned golden brown, stirring occasionally. In the last minute, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to infuse the flavors.
  4. Combine Casserole Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion mixture with the cooked white rice, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Stir until everything is well incorporated and evenly mixed.
  5. Add Cheeses: Gently fold in the shredded Swiss cheese and the Gruyere cheese if using, distributing the cheese evenly throughout the mixture without overmixing.
  6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to create a flat surface.
  7. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the French fried onions so that the onions are fully coated with butter, enhancing their crunch and flavor.
  8. Add Topping and Cover: Sprinkle the buttered French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from burning during the initial baking phase.
  9. Bake Covered: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake covered for 20 minutes, allowing the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld.
  10. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the casserole is hot throughout and the topping on top is golden brown and crispy, delivering that signature French onion crust.

Notes

  • Allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and safety.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave until heated through.
  • This casserole freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/french-onion-ground-beef-and-rice-casserole-recipe/