Description
French Onion Ground Beef Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy meal that combines rich flavors of caramelized onions, lean ground beef, and fluffy rice, all topped with melted cheese, transforming a classic French onion soup into a delicious casserole.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
3 large Yellow Onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1.5 pounds Lean Ground Beef
1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1 Bay Leaf
1 teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoon Black Pepper
1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
4 cups Beef Broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1.5 cups Long-Grain White Rice, uncooked and rinsed
1.5 cups Shredded Gruyère Cheese
Fresh Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large, oven-safe Dutch oven or a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 30-45 minutes until the onions are deeply golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 5 minutes of cooking
- Brown the Ground Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat
- Build the Flavor Base: Return the ground beef to the pan. Stir in the dried thyme, bay leaf, remaining salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute
- Add Liquids & Rice: Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the uncooked, rinsed long-grain white rice
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the caramelized onions over the rice mixture. Transfer to a casserole dish if needed
- Bake the Casserole: Cover tightly with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes
- Add Cheese & Finish: Remove the foil, sprinkle remaining onions, and cover with shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and golde
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley
Notes
For best results, don't rush caramelizing the onions.
This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg