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French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
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This Easy French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring caramelized onions, tender ground beef, and fluffy rice baked together with a melty Swiss or Gruyere cheese topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals, it offers rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures all in one easy-to-make casserole.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)

Vegetables

  • 2 large yellow onions, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains

  • 1 ½ cups cooked white or brown rice (freshly cooked preferred)

Liquids & Sauces

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese

  • 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese (or a mix)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Slowly cook the sliced yellow onions in butter and olive oil over medium-low heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 20 to 30 minutes, developing a rich sweet aroma.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: While the onions cook, brown the ground beef in a separate pan over medium-high heat, breaking it apart until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  3. Mix Ingredients and Season: Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions and sauté briefly until fragrant. In a large bowl, combine the onions, browned beef, cooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend flavors evenly.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese generously over the top, covering all areas.
  5. Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted with golden brown spots.

Notes

  • Slow caramelization of onions is essential for deep French onion flavor.
  • Use freshly cooked rice for better texture; day-old rice can be used with slightly less ideal results.
  • Mix Swiss and Gruyere cheese for a richer, more complex topping.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to boost umami without overpowering the dish.
  • Customize with different rice types, cheeses, or add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free if gluten-free Worcestershire sauce is used.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion casserole, ground beef casserole, baked rice casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, one dish meal, gluten free casserole

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/french-onion-ground-beef-and-rice-casserole/