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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 large onion, thinly sliced - 2 cups cooked rice The star of this dish is the ground beef. It gives the casserole a hearty base. The sliced onion adds sweetness and depth. The cooked rice binds everything together, making each bite filling. - 2 cups beef broth - 1 cup French onion dip - 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese Beef broth brings moisture and flavor. It helps the rice absorb all the tasty goodness. French onion dip adds creaminess and a rich onion flavor. The shredded Swiss cheese melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey layer. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon thyme - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings are key to a great casserole. Garlic powder gives it a nice aroma. Thyme adds a hint of earthiness. You can adjust salt and pepper based on your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up the oven and gets it ready for baking. While it heats, let's sauté the onions. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 large onion, thinly sliced. Sauté the onions for about 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown and caramelized. Stir them often to keep them from burning. Now, let’s cook the beef. Push the onions to one side of the skillet. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the empty side. Cook the beef until it's browned. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, season it with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix the beef and onions together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, beef and onion mixture, 2 cups of beef broth, and 1 cup of French onion dip. Mix all the ingredients well until they are evenly combined. Next, pour this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, it’s time to add the cheese. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the casserole with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and slightly golden. Once done, take it out and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. If you like, you can garnish it with fresh parsley for a nice touch. Caramelizing onions takes time and patience. Cook them over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes. Stir them often to avoid burning. They should turn a nice, golden brown. To store leftovers, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They can last up to a week in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Use ground chuck for the best flavor. It has a good balance of fat and meat. This helps keep the beef juicy and tasty. Season your beef well. Use garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. These spices really bring out the beef's flavor. Mix them in while the meat cooks for the best taste. Swiss cheese is perfect for this dish, but you can try others too. Provolone or mozzarella can add a nice twist. To achieve that bubbly cheese, cover the casserole with foil for the first 25 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and brown nicely. Pro Tips Caramelizing Onions: Take your time with the onions; the longer they cook, the sweeter and more flavorful they become. Aim for a deep golden brown color for the best results. Choosing Rice: Both white and brown rice work well, but brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if using brown rice. Layering Cheese: For an extra cheesy crust, consider mixing a bit of Parmesan cheese with the Swiss cheese before sprinkling it on top. Resting Time: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes serving easier. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish for vegetarians. First, substitute beef with plant-based proteins, like lentils or tofu. They absorb flavors well and offer good texture. Next, use vegetarian broth instead of beef broth. It keeps the dish rich without meat. Want to boost the taste? Try adding mushrooms or bell peppers. They add a great depth and sweetness. You can also sprinkle in some spices for heat. A pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper works wonders. Cheese lovers can explore different options. Provolone, mozzarella, or gouda can replace Swiss cheese. Each brings a unique flavor that changes the dish. Mixing cheeses can also create a fun flavor combo. Try blending mozzarella and gouda for a creamy, rich topping. To keep your French Onion Beef Rice Casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. In the fridge, it lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. For freezing, place the casserole in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This extra layer protects against freezer burn. It can stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 20-30 minutes. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness just like when it was fresh! Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the point of baking. Cover it well and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes meal prep easy. You can enjoy a warm, hearty meal any day of the week. Absolutely! Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients. It has a nuttier taste, which many enjoy. If you switch to brown rice, increase the cooking time for the rice before mixing it in. This will ensure everything cooks evenly in the casserole. This dish pairs well with simple sides. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the casserole’s rich flavors. You can also serve steamed vegetables for a colorful plate. If you like bread, try garlic bread or a crusty baguette. These sides add texture and balance to the meal. This blog post covered how to make a delicious French Onion Beef Rice Casserole. We explored the key ingredients, from ground beef to Swiss cheese, and shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and baking. I also provided tips for perfecting flavors and variations for different diets. Finally, we discussed storage methods for leftovers. Enjoy your flavorful casserole and make it your own with the tips provided! This dish brings warmth and comfort to any meal.

French Onion Beef Rice Casserole

A hearty casserole combining ground beef, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese over rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup French onion dip
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are caramelized and golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  • Push the onions to the side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix the beef and onions together once the meat is fully cooked.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, beef and onion mixture, beef broth, and French onion dip. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  • Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the dish.
  • Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  • Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword beef, casserole, cheese, onion, rice