Description
This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines the comforting flavors of classic French onion soup with a hearty casserole, creating a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With tender ground beef, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese, it’s a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 large yellow onions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85-90% lean)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice (like Basmati or Jasmine)
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice the yellow onions.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally for 30-45 minutes until they are deeply golden brown and sticky.
- Remove the caramelized onions from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Return the caramelized onions to the pot with the ground beef and stir together.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in 4 cups of beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it bubble for 5-7 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice with the beef and onion mixture. Stir gently until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Generously sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: For the best flavor, take your time caramelizing the onions. Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting. You can also prepare the onions a day in advance to save time.