Description
French Onion Beef Casserole combines the savory flavors of French onion soup, tender beef, rice, and melted cheese, creating a hearty and comforting one-dish meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup cooked white rice (or 1 1/2 cups if you prefer more rice)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère cheese)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 15-20 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Stir in French onion soup, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- In a bowl, mix the cooked rice and caramelized onions with the beef mixture. Pour this into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with shredded Swiss cheese. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for more texture.
- Swap out Swiss cheese for Gruyère or mozzarella, or add a combination of your favorite cheeses.
- If you’re short on time, you can skip caramelizing the onions, but it will lack some of the deep sweetness and richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
