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To make a French Onion Beef Rice Casserole, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s the list: - Ground Beef - Onions - Rice - Beef Broth - French Onion Dip - Shredded Swiss Cheese - Seasonings - Olive Oil - Garnish Each ingredient plays an important role. The ground beef gives the dish its hearty base. Onions add a sweet and rich flavor. Rice makes the casserole filling and satisfying. Beef broth enhances the taste with depth. French onion dip brings a creamy, savory element. Shredded Swiss cheese melts beautifully on top, adding a rich layer. Seasonings like garlic powder and thyme bring out the best flavors. Olive oil is used for cooking the onions, making them golden brown. Finally, you can garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. With these ingredients, you will create a warm and tasty dish that comforts the soul. Each bite will remind you of home and good cooking. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the casserole cook evenly. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 large onion, thinly sliced. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir the onions often. You want them golden brown and sweet. This process brings out their natural sugars. Once the onions are done, push them to one side of the skillet. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the empty side. Cook the beef until it is fully browned. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season it with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix the beef with the onions when it’s cooked. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, beef, and onion mixture. Add 2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of French onion dip. Stir everything together until well mixed. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. This ensures that every part cooks the same way. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This helps the cheese melt and bubble. When done, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like. To get sweet, golden onions, you need patience. Start with medium heat. Use a large skillet for even cooking. Add olive oil and let it warm. Stir the onions often for even browning. It takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for that deep, rich color. If they stick, lower the heat slightly. You can sprinkle a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture. This extra step enhances their flavor. For juicy beef, use ground beef with some fat. It adds flavor and keeps it moist. Cook in the same skillet after the onions. This helps blend flavors. Break the beef apart with a spatula for even cooking. Season with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure it's fully browned. This means no pink spots remain. To keep your casserole from being soggy, use cooked rice that’s not overcooked. If possible, use day-old rice. This rice is firmer and absorbs less moisture. When mixing ingredients, don’t add too much broth. You want a creamy texture but not a soup. Spread the mixture evenly in the casserole dish. Cover with foil for the first part of baking. This traps steam for cooking, but remove it later to crisp the cheese. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh onions and beef for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients can elevate the dish significantly. Layering Cheese: For an extra cheesy top, consider using a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Gruyère along with the Swiss cheese. Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier. Customize Your Rice: Feel free to use flavored rice or add sautéed vegetables to the rice mixture for additional texture and taste. {{image_4}} If you want to switch up the protein in this dish, you have options. Ground turkey or chicken works great. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute if you prefer. These proteins still give that tasty flavor we love in this casserole. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on what you choose. To make a vegetarian version, skip the meat. Use lentils or mushrooms for hearty texture. Cooked quinoa can also add protein and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Combine with the rice, onion, and dip, and you’ll have a delicious dish without meat. If you want to change the cheese, you have some choices. Gruyère or mozzarella works well in place of Swiss cheese. You can try a vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. Just make sure whatever cheese you pick melts well. This will keep your casserole creamy and rich. After enjoying your French Onion Beef Rice Casserole, let it cool. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it again soon! To reheat, simply take your casserole from the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for 20-25 minutes or until hot. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes. Just make sure they are heated all the way through. If you want to freeze your casserole, it’s easy! First, allow it to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This helps to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven as mentioned before. Enjoy your comforting dish anytime! Yes, you can use brown rice. It adds a nuttier taste. Brown rice also has more fiber. Cooking time may be a bit longer. Make sure it is fully cooked before mixing. You can use sour cream or cream cheese. Mix them with onion powder and some seasoning. This gives a similar flavor. You can also try using a homemade onion dip. Store the casserole in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to cover it well. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead. Prepare it up to the baking step. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake it as directed. This casserole goes well with a fresh salad. You can also serve it with steamed veggies. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are great too. They balance the richness of the dish. This blog post covered how to make a tasty casserole using simple ingredients. We went through each step, from preheating the oven to baking the dish. I shared tips for caramelizing onions and perfecting beef. You also learned about variations and how to store leftovers. In conclusion, this recipe is easy to follow and great for sharing. It’s perfect for busy nights or meal prepping. Enjoy creating a dish that your family will love!

French Onion Beef Rice Casserole

A comforting casserole combining ground beef, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese over a bed of rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 400 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 dried thyme
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • optional Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them for approximately 10-12 minutes until caramelized.
  • Push the onions to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef to the empty side. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, then combine with the onions.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, beef and onion mixture, beef broth, and French onion dip. Stir until well mixed.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
  • Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the top layer of the casserole.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

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