This French onion ground beef and rice casserole combines savory beef, tender rice, melted cheese, and crispy onions for an easy, comforting family dinner
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add the uncooked rice, French onion soup, beef broth, garlic powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire-style sauce to the prepared baking dish. Stir until combined.
Add the cooked ground beef and stir until evenly distributed.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40–45 minutes.
Carefully remove the foil and check the rice. If it is still firm, add a small splash of hot broth if needed, cover again, and bake for another 5–10 minutes.
When the rice is tender, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the casserole and top with crispy fried onions.
Return to the oven uncovered for 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the onions are golden.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Use halal-certified ground beef, broth, soup, and Worcestershire-style sauce when needed.
Regular long-grain white rice works best; don’t substitute instant rice using the same cooking time and liquid ratio.
Keep the casserole tightly covered during the first part of baking so enough steam remains to cook the rice.
Swiss cheese gives a stronger French onion flavor; mozzarella is a milder alternative.
Add the crispy onions only near the end so they remain crunchy.
If the rice is still firm after 45 minutes, add a little hot broth, cover, and continue baking until tender.
