Sometimes you just need something warm and cheesy for dinner. This French Onion Beef Casserole brings those classic soup flavors to your table. It is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly winter evening. Your kitchen will smell amazing while the onions caramelize.
This recipe is a simple way to feed your whole family. It combines hearty beef with tender rice and savory broth. You get a restaurant-quality meal without any of the stress. It is beginner-friendly and very satisfying to make.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is perfect for those busy winter weeknights. You only need one main pan and a baking dish. It delivers a deeply savory flavor that feels very fancy. The caramelized onions provide a natural sweetness that everyone loves.
It is also a great way to use pantry staples. Most of these ingredients are likely in your kitchen right now. The melted Gruyère cheese creates a golden crust that is irresistible. Your kids will definitely ask for a second helping of this.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making this casserole is incredibly straightforward and low-stress. You start by browning the beef and onions on the stove. Then, you just mix everything in your baking dish. The oven does all the heavy lifting for you. Even if you are new to cooking, you can do this.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a very rich flavor profile.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 10.5 oz condensed French onion soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions until deeply caramelized, approximately 20 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the beef mixture, uncooked rice, beef broth, condensed French onion soup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove foil, sprinkle evenly with shredded Gruyère cheese, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this casserole hot right out of the baking dish. A crisp green salad balances the rich flavors perfectly. You could also serve it with steamed green beans. It makes a wonderful meal for a cozy family Sunday. Set the table and enjoy a hearty dinner together.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and tasty for three days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave until hot. For the best results, use a 350°F oven for 15 minutes. This helps keep the cheese topping nice and bubbly. It is a great lunch for the next day.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the onion caramelization process for maximum flavor.
- Avoid using minute rice as it will become too mushy.
- Seal the foil tightly to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
- Use a lean ground beef to avoid an oily casserole.
- For a holiday twist, add a splash of red wine.
- Upgrade the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Let the dish rest so the sauce can thicken slightly.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the beef for ground turkey for a lighter meal.
- Use Swiss cheese if you cannot find Gruyère at the store.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet for extra earthy notes.
- Use gluten-free flour if you need to thicken the sauce.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can caramelize the onions and beef a day early. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This saves you twenty minutes of prep time on busy nights.
What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is the best choice for this recipe. It holds its shape well during the long baking time. Avoid using brown rice unless you increase the liquid.
Will my kids like this dish?
Most kids love the mild, savory flavor and the melted cheese. It tastes very similar to a cheesy onion burger. It is a very kid-approved dinner option.
I hope this cozy casserole brings some warmth to your winter nights. It is such a simple way to show your family some love. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 cup long -grain white rice, uncooked
- 10.5 oz condensed French onion soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 0.5 tsp sal t
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions until deeply caramelized, approximately 20 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the beef mixture, uncooked rice, beef broth, condensed French onion soup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove foil, sprinkle evenly with shredded Gruyère cheese, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
