Print

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Print Recipe

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish blending caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and fluffy rice, baked under a gooey Swiss or Gruyere cheese crust. This easy one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, offering rich, indulgent flavors with minimal prep and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Base

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup uncooked white or jasmine rice

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Fats and Oils

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Cheese

  • 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until they become golden brown and sweetly fragrant, about 20 minutes. This slow cooking builds the deep flavor essential to the dish.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Push the caramelized onions to the side of the skillet. Add the ground beef and cook until well browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles for even texture.
  3. Add Aromatics and Liquids: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Pour in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until flavors meld and the broth reduces slightly.
  4. Combine with Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice, coating each grain with the savory mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Allow the liquid to absorb slightly before transferring everything into a baking dish.
  5. Bake with Cheese: Top the mixture with shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until the rice is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and the dish to firm up before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or freshly cracked black pepper as desired.

Notes

  • Slow caramelization of onions is key to achieving the dish’s signature deep flavor.
  • Do not rinse the rice to retain starch, which helps create a creamier casserole texture.
  • Cover the casserole with foil or a tight-fitting lid during baking to prevent the rice from drying out.
  • Use a quality beef broth for enhanced richness.
  • The casserole can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to preserve the crispy cheese topping or microwave individual portions.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion casserole, ground beef casserole, rice casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/french-onion-ground-beef-and-rice-casserole/