Description
This comforting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender ground beef, fluffy long-grain rice, savory French onion soup mix, and melty cheese. Topped with crispy French-fried onions, it’s an easy oven-baked meal perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- ½ cup French-fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, then drain the excess grease. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Rice Mixture: In a mixing bowl, mix the uncooked rice, French onion soup mix, and beef broth thoroughly.
- Add Beef and Sour Cream: Add the cooked ground beef and sour cream to the rice mixture, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly top with shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to cook the rice and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Add Topping and Final Bake: Sprinkle French-fried onions on top of the casserole and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set and ensure best texture.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with Swiss cheese or a blend for varied flavor.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat sour cream.
- Ensure to drain excess grease from beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- The French-fried onions add a crunchy texture; add just before serving for best crispness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
