French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

### **How to Make French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole**

#### **Step 1: Cook the Onions**
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, or until they become soft and golden brown. If the onions start to stick, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.
2. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.

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#### **Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef**
1. In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Drain any excess fat and season the beef with garlic powder, dried thyme, and black pepper.

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#### **Step 3: Assemble the Casserole**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, ground beef, caramelized onions, French onion soup, and beef broth. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

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#### **Step 4: Bake the Casserole**
1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. If desired, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for added crunch and flavor.

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#### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

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### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**

– **Rich, Savory Flavor:** The combination of caramelized onions, seasoned beef, and melted cheese creates an irresistible depth of flavor.
– **Comforting and Filling:** With its hearty ingredients and satisfying texture, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.
– **Family-Friendly:** Both kids and adults will love this dish, making it a perfect choice for family dinners.
– **Easy to Make Ahead:** You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
– **Customizable:** Swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken, or add mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra veggies.

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### **Tips for the Best French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole**

1. **Choose the Right Cheese:** Swiss and Gruyère cheeses melt beautifully and complement the French onion flavor, but you can use mozzarella or cheddar if preferred.
2. **Caramelize the Onions Slowly:** Don’t rush the process of caramelizing the onions—it’s the key to building deep, sweet, and savory flavors.
3. **Use Leftover Rice:** This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked rice. Cold rice works best as it holds up well during baking.
4. **Add a Crunchy Topping:** The crispy fried onions add a delightful crunch, but you can also top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a similar effect.
5. **Freeze for Later:** Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed when ready to serve.

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### **Conclusion**

**French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole** is the perfect recipe when you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish. With its savory layers of ground beef, rice, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese, this casserole is a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite. Serve it on a chilly evening or bring it to your next gathering for a dish that everyone will love. Give it a try, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors in every bite!