French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This hearty, comforting casserole combines savory caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy rice, all baked with melty cheese for the ultimate family dinner.
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.