It’s 6pm, you’re tired, and everyone’s hungry. This French Onion Ground Beef and rice casserole is the perfect solution for your busy evening.
It brings all the deep, savory flavors of soup into a filling meal. You can have a hearty dinner on the table with very little effort.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is the ultimate comfort food for a cold winter night. It uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
The combination of sweet onions and melted cheese is always a huge hit. Your family will love the rich flavor that tastes like it took hours to make.
Easy Cooking Steps
You will start by browning the beef and softening the sliced onions. Then, simply mix everything together and let the oven do the work.
This method ensures tender rice and juicy beef every single time. Even if you are a beginner, you can master this one-pan meal easily.
Simple Ingredients
Most of these items are pantry staples that come together for a gourmet feel.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add sliced onions. Sauté for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and deep golden brown.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess grease from the pan.
- Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked white rice, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Transfer the contents to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove from oven and discard foil. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this French Onion Ground Beef bake alongside a crisp green salad. A side of steamed green beans also works perfectly for a balanced meal.
Set the table, light a candle, and enjoy this cozy dinner. It is a great choice for a relaxing family night in.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days.
To reheat, place a portion in the oven at 350°F for ten minutes. This keeps the cheese bubbly and the rice from getting too soft.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the onion caramelization because it provides all the base flavor.
- Avoid using instant rice as it will become too mushy during baking.
- Swap the Gruyère for Swiss cheese if you are on a budget.
- Prepare the onion and beef mixture a day early to save time.
- Add a handful of fresh thyme for an extra winter herbal note.
- Use a heavy skillet to get the best color on your onions.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Try ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter, leaner version.
- Use mozzarella cheese if you prefer a milder, stretchier topping.
- Stir in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy winter twist.
- Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth if you prefer.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and keep it in the fridge. Just add five extra minutes to the baking time when you are ready.
What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?
You can use any large oven-safe dish that holds about three quarts. A deep cast-iron skillet also works very well for this recipe.
Will my kids eat the onions?
Caramelized onions are very sweet and soft, so most kids enjoy them. They blend right into the beef and rice for a kid-approved meal.
I hope this warm meal brings your family together tonight. It is the perfect way to end a long winter day. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 cup long -grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add sliced onions. Sauté for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and deep golden brown.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess grease from the pan.
- Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked white rice, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Transfer the contents to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove from oven and discard foil. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
