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Easy French Onion Beef Rice Casserole Recipe

French Onion Beef Rice Casserole - featured image

A comforting casserole combining the savory flavors of French onion soup, beef, and creamy rice, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup long-grain or Basmati rice
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for about 15–20 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. If they start sticking to the pan, add a splash of water to loosen them up.
  3. Push the onions to one side of the pan and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir the onions and beef together.
  4. Rinse 1 cup (185g) of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, beef and onion mixture, 2 cups (480ml) of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and ½ cup (120ml) of milk. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
  6. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to help trap the steam.
  7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup (100g) of shredded Gruyere or your preferred cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to scoop and serve.

Notes

[‘Caramelize onions slowly for the best flavor.’, ‘Gruyere cheese adds a nutty depth, but other cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss can be used.’, ‘Rinse the rice to prevent it from becoming sticky.’, ‘Taste the beef mixture before assembling to ensure proper seasoning.’, “Avoid overbaking; once the cheese is bubbly and golden, it’s ready.”]

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion casserole, beef casserole, rice casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe