Description
Savor a comforting French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole that’s easy to make, cheesy, and perfect for weeknight dinners. This hearty, one-dish meal blends caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy rice baked together under melted Swiss or Gruyere cheese, delivering rich, savory flavors and a satisfying finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or medium-fat)
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth (preferably warm)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
- 1–2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Slice yellow onions thinly. Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat and cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and sweetly fragrant, about 30-40 minutes. Patience is key for that signature French onion flavor.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a separate pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef by breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice according to package instructions but use warm beef broth instead of water. Cook until slightly underdone because it will finish cooking in the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the caramelized onions, cooked ground beef, cooked rice, minced garlic, a bit of butter, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top generously with shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set for easier slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs or cracked black pepper as desired and serve alongside a green salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Patience in caramelizing onions is essential to develop deep, sweet flavors.
- Use warm beef broth to cook the rice for better flavor absorption.
- Swiss and Gruyere cheeses melt well and contribute authentic tangy notes.
- Do not overcook the rice initially; it should be slightly underdone.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to help it set and slice cleanly.
- For dairy-free, substitute butter and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking; increase baking time if baking from cold.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: French onion casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, weeknight dinner, comfort food, baked rice casserole