French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ingredients (serves about 6)

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed French onion soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth or water
• 1 cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
• 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or Gruyère
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1–2 tablespoons butter or oil

Instructions

1. Cook the beef and onions
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add butter or oil, then cook the onions until softened and lightly caramelized (about 10 minutes).
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned.
   • Drain excess fat.
   • Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Combine the casserole
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine:
     • Beef mixture
     • Uncooked rice
     • French onion soup
     • Beef broth
     • Sour cream (if using)
   • Stir until evenly mixed.
3. Bake
   • Cover tightly with foil.
   • Bake for about 45–50 minutes, until the rice is tender.
   • Remove foil, add shredded cheese on top, and bake another 10 minutes until melted and golden.
4. Rest and serve
   • Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Optional additions

• Add mushrooms for a more “French onion soup” flavor.
• Top with crispy fried onions before serving.
• Mix in peas, spinach, or green beans for extra vegetables.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

Tip: For the best onion flavor, take the extra time to slowly brown the onions before assembling the casserole—the caramelized flavor is what gives it that classic French onion taste.