Few dishes capture the essence of home-cooked comfort like a casserole, and this French Onion Ground Beef & Rice Casserole is no exception. It’s the kind of cozy meal that wraps you in warmth with every bite, perfect for weeknights or when you need to bring a hearty dish to the table. Combining the rich depth of caramelized onions, the heartiness of ground beef, and the soothing starch of rice, this recipe delivers layers of flavor with minimal fuss.
At the heart of this dish is a base of deeply caramelized onions, cooked slowly until they reach a golden brown, sweet-savory perfection. These onions echo the soul of classic French onion soup, bringing a gourmet edge to an otherwise humble casserole. Ground beef adds protein and substance, while garlic and thyme round out the aromatic base with familiar warmth.
The uncooked rice simmers right in the pan with the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, absorbing all the savory flavors as it bakes. This one-pan approach makes preparation simpler while infusing every grain of rice with richness. Once layered in a casserole dish and topped with cheese—mozzarella or Gruyère, along with a dusting of Parmesan—it’s ready to transform into a golden, bubbling meal in the oven.
The finished dish emerges with a crisp, cheesy top and a tender, savory center. It’s ideal for feeding a hungry family, and leftovers (if any remain) reheat beautifully. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread to round out the meal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
For the casserole:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the topping:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Gruyère
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
See Next Page =>
