French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
There’s something magical about the rich, savory scent of caramelized onions wafting through the kitchen. It evokes memories of cozy family dinners and the warmth of home-cooked meals. Now, imagine that comforting aroma enveloping a hearty casserole filled with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and melted cheese. That’s exactly what you’ll get with our French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole—a dish that brings together the best of both worlds.
This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a satisfying meal to share with friends, this casserole is sure to please.
Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe
Incredibly Flavorful: Deep, savory French onion taste that satisfies every time.
Hearty & Comforting: A perfect family meal that warms the soul.
Easy to Make: Simple steps with common ingredients you likely have on hand.
Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or potluck.
Great for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully, making leftovers just as delicious.
Ingredient Deep Dive
Let’s dive into the essential elements that give this casserole its unique charm:
Ground Beef: Opt for 85/15 lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
Onions: Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing, offering a sweet and rich flavor.
Beef Broth: Use a high-quality, low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness and enhance the savory depth.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is recommended for its fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors.
Cheese: A blend of Gruyère and mozzarella provides a creamy, melty topping with a hint of nuttiness.
Seasonings: Thyme, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce add complexity and enhance the umami profile.
Optional “Secret” Ingredient: A splash of sherry or brandy for deglazing adds a subtle depth to the caramelized onions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Caramelize the Onions: In a spacious skillet set over medium heat, melt some butter and toss in sliced yellow onions. Cook them gently, stirring now and then, until the onions turn a rich golden
brown and release a delightful aroma, which should take around 30 to 40 minutes.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a separate pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the caramelized onions, browned ground beef, uncooked long-grain white rice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
Assemble the Casserole: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and cover it securely with aluminum foil.
Bake: Put the casserole in the oven that has been preheated and let it bake for 45 minutes. After that time, take off the foil, evenly distribute the cheese blend on top, and put it back in the oven without the foil. Bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together and simplifies the serving process.
Expert Tips for Success
Achieving Perfect Caramelized Onions: Patience is key. Cook onions low and slow, stirring occasionally, to bring out their natural sweetness.
Preventing Mushy Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Getting the Best Cheesy Topping: For a golden-brown finish, place the casserole under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole during the final baking stage to prevent the cheese from burning.
Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps the ingredients set and enhances the overall flavor.
Variations & Customizations
Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
Veggie Boost: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for the white rice, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Different Topping: Top with crispy fried onions or a breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty casserole with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette and a slice of crusty bread to soak up the savory juices.
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Instructions
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Freezing: Freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly with foil, and freezing for up to 3 months. Let it defrost in the fridge overnight before following the baking instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice. Reduce the baking time by about 15-20 minutes, and ensure the mixture is not too dry before baking.
What’s the best cheese for French onion casserole?
Gruyère is traditional for its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. A combination of Gruyère and mozzarella also works well for a gooey, flavorful topping.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version of this recipe, be sure to use beef broth and Worcestershire sauce that are labeled gluten-free.
Call to Action & Engagement
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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef 85/15 lean
- 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup dry sherry or brandy optional
- 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook low and slow for 30-40 minutes until deeply caramelized.
- Meanwhile, in another skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine caramelized onions, cooked ground beef, uncooked rice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and sherry if using. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, top with Gruyère and mozzarella cheese, and return to oven uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, take your time caramelizing the onions—this is key to the dish’s deep flavor.
- Rinse rice before using to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Add veggies like mushrooms or spinach for variation.
- To freeze: assemble casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking as directed.
For more inspiration, check out this French Onion Casserole and French Onion Beef Casserole for variations on this comforting classic.
